That's so sweet that he wanted you to have both!!!! I don't think Nordstrom is bsing. I preordered a pigment set weeks ago. I was told that they could not ship it until Nov 8. In addition to large preorders, it seems they have very specific release dates. I also think MAC creates a bit of confusion in terms of what products the dept stores will carry. For example, they initially told Nordstrom that they would be getting the 'Making Pretty' collection, but then told them they will not be selling it.
Given what many people went through with the MM collection, maybe you should call about your goods on the 11th. It is totally nerve racking,