The mistake was triggering the voucher (unless you actually wanted it now), I stopped spending on my card as I wanted to time the voucher issue, rang Amex and told them I couldn't spend on that card as they would no longer extend the validity of the voucher. Hey presto, "Please apply for another card, and I'll make a note on your account to have it approved". Admittedly this was prior to the 'Credit Crunch' ....
Give Brighton a ring, explain the circumstances and see what they'll do.
Also, my wife got an account in her name with no income of her own but based on the household income; if that is why you believe your wife may not get a card then it is not always the case.
Could you explain to me the strategy on triggering 241 vouchers, please