I'm fairly sure EBgames shouldn't be doing that if the release date is set at 11.11.11. Just play a different game or sleep until you can activate it. I on the other hand have to do the same as you (Yes, in the Australian heat) except my travel involves 4-5 hours of train trips (odds are I get the old ones without air-conditioning or oxygen), an exam at university, a meeting at an airport and THEN a trip to the retailer and then, after all that, I get home knock off a few hours of study and then hopefully get a chance to play Skyrim.
But, the release date is what it is so I'll take it.
You're looking for sympathy in the wrong place.