I just checked d*'s locals info page:
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/LocalChannelsAction.do.
Traverse City, MI is in the second batch of locals slated for "Coming in 2004." My DMA is also in this set of locals, so this issue interests me very much. I wouldn't hold my breath for them being up in even 2 months. I'm pretty sure the first list which are slated for second quarter 2004 will most definitely be up in 2 months though.
The reason why I'm sceptical of the date you've been told is, that the second list of locals will be coming from a satellite at the 72.5 orbital position. This is NOT 7s. 7s is to be launched soon (May 2 if everything keeps going according to schedule.) 7S will be at the 119 orbital position and it will serve all of the markets slated for Second quarter. All of these markets will be able to receive their locas with the Phase III dish.
However, the 72.5 orbital position is actually going to require a second dish. What d* will be doing is moving the satellite that is currently at 119 to 72.5. They have not released any information about what equipment will be required for these markets. One more issue is that the FCC still has not yet approved d*'s use of the 72.5 orbital position, as it currently being used by a Canadian sat company.
I'm expecting that I should have locals by the fall. However, I won't be surprised if it doesn't happen by then. I live in the Johstown-Altoona DMA. E* currently has my locals, yet I still chose to go with d* a few weeks ago for several reasons. If I were you I would wait it out. As long as you are currently able to get networks (either via lifeline cable, distants, or ota) you should be able to wait a few more months. In my opinion d* is the superior service.