American Express Membership Rewards - AmEx Licensed TAs

I asked AmEx about the bonafides of an independently-owned, AmEx-licensed TA. Their response, in essence, was that they do not stand behind the actions of licensed TAs (in other words, you're on your own). Without naming specific TAs, has anyone had an unresolved bad experience with an AmEx licensee?

I would assume that AmEx would handle any dispute in the same way they would for any other transaction. That should cover most situations.

Have you had a specifically bad instance, or just looking to see if the Amex branded TAs are decent?

I was looking at a couple of Am-Ex licensed TAs which liberally use the AmEx logo and name (and offer exceedingly good airfare deals) but about which AmEx purports to have little information other than they are "licensees." Their position is that I must deal directly with the licensee in the event of any problems. So I'm wondering if anyone has had any serious problems with AmEx licensees (no names--I think it is against board rules) before I book something with any of them?