go here:

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?&showforum=2

search under 'AMEX', or 'F/R', or 'Financial Review'.

has been mucho discussed there...

You are caught in the 'screw AMEX, I value my privacy' dilemma...best to bend over and pucker up.

You -do- have other ccard backup sources, don't you??? If so, blow off AMEX, take your biz where someone will appreciate it.

Also, be aware that AMEX sometimes requests you to sign a waiver allowing them to get tax returns from the IRS in the future...