After tons and tons of research, I have confirmed, at least to my own satisfaction, that no one on the West Coast will get ML any time soon. After looking into the allocations for the South, SouthEast, East and North East regions, I have discovered that ML is not an option there as well.
I initially heard this was a first batch issue, but now I'm hearing several dealers say that ML is order only and there are no plans to ship with that option. MANY, MANY UNEDUCATED SALES PEOPLE WILL TELL YOU ML IS HERE - THE ARE WRONG!
Obviously you can special order which is what I did. I can't imagine ML not showing up in the next 3-6 months, but I doubt it will show up before that.
As for Sattelite, it looks like the Sirius kit won't be available until January. I'm not sure if that applies to XM. The vehicles WILL be ready for sat, but the dealer-installed kit won't be available until later; Not a huge issue.
What I have found is that most of the vehicles hitting the ground are Premium Plus. These vehicles have little in the way of exciting features. There are very, very few Performance/Nav being shipped with slightly more Premium Luxury.
Now, let's assume you put your deposit down for a Perf/Nav a year ago and are first on the list at the largest dealer in the country (JM Lexus in FL). You'll likely be given the opportunity to pick between 2 color choices. What if you are at a smaller dealer? Their allocation is likey to include from 2 to 30 vehicles with 0 Perf/Nav. Best case there is 1 or 2 Perf/Nav or Premium Luxury in some awful color combo.
The bottom line here is that, if you want a specific vehicle, you need to order it. Be prepared to wait 120 days at this point.
Now, is Mark Levinson worth 120 day wait? I think that question answers itself after you properly test both systems. That doesnt mean turn the radio on and listen to both. Spend 5 minutes in each with a CD of tracks that vary in range. You will then be asking for membership in the NO ML = NO IS camp.