Had to ask - having a hardcopy is so much nicer but I dont think I could resist the temptation of instantly being able to play soon as it hits 12.

Chances are, negative. Patience is a virtue after all, and also a necessity.

I doubt it. Unless you can preorder a digital version through their respective stores.

Seems like pre-loading is becoming a thing for more games, though - including ESO. Doesn't seem unlikely, theres no drawbacks; They're charging the same ifnot a little higher price without having to physically make something for the benefit of availability.

most likely ,but it won't be for a while (from what I understand the game doesn't go "gold" until a month before release so we've got some time to kill)

Would be nice for an official confirmation - dont want to be in the last month before release only to find out it isn't up for pre-loading and i cant get my hands on a copy.. Then id also have to pain myself through the Xb1's awful download speeds even with the hard copy when i did finally get it.