Looks like ArenaNet has clarified a few things about the time of the headstart for pre-purchasers. The most interesting tidbit here is that the game might actually be up and running up to three hours ahead of schedule!
 However, please note that in order to ensure that we’re fully prepared for that fateful hour we may bring servers online up to 3 hours prior. If you’re a player committed to getting in first to grab that character name of your dreams you’ll want to be keeping an eye on things during that time period.