1. Finding information in a 268 page thread is ridiculous in this day and age. It would be like going to a library and searching paper and ink copies of records to find information. We simply don't do it anymore, and it takes too much time.

2. That main first post in that thread, even with its first post directing to multiple other posts, does not answr my question specifically. It talks about how to apply (I know how to do that). It talks about if you get denied who to call (I was never denied either card, Visa was approved and Amex was in limbo, never told me to call anyone).

3. All that thread did was give me a reconsideration phone number, which I can find just about anywhere. My question was more of who I should call next to best insure I get the bonus on both cards and to see if my Amex was approved. All those threads just have very broad steps on how to apply. I knew how to do that. I had a specific question about the Amex, and what my next steps on it should be.

I was worried about the CSR seeing both of my applications and that mattering. I wanted there to be a way for them just to see my amex application, but with Amex not giving me a reference number, I had no way of doing that. Had to use my SSN, which then pulled up both applications.

4. Not to mention, my thread actually asks some very specific questions about applying for two new cards after applying for the 2 Citi AA cards only a few days ago. No one has mentioned that.

As for what I've learned:
Talked to CSR. They said I was already approved for the Visa, and that I was approved for the Amex 2 days ago. Which means I got approved for the Amex a day after the Visa, which likely means I probably didn't get the signup bonus on the Amex, but I guess I'll have to wait and see. Anyone have any experience with that? The woman over the phone was very confused by my question of bonuses, and didn't seem to hear me correctly. I'll confirm if I got the bonus once I have the card number.

Forums were made for people to ask questions and for responses, or for discussion. For what that thread is offering, it would be 400 times better as a blog post, that is updated with new information much easier. There's also a virtual Q&A section really with the comments section. Luckily, blogs are where I first go, but when I had this specific question, that folks were unable to answer (and still seem fairly unable to answer), I go to forums to ask the specific question.

Thanks to those who provided helpful responses, less thanks to those who do the equivalent of saying "just google it" in a situation that is fairly un-google-able (I make up words sometimes).