After getting turned down last week on a purchase due to hitting my reduced credit limit buying coins, I call and vent. "Why from 40K to 10K on my Hilton Amex?"
"It's just the way it is." responds the CSR, adding, "But, it looks like you are doing ok getting the FF miles buying coins." "Yeah, but I'd like to make some business purchases and I can't because I'm now maxed out.", I replied. "Now I have to use another card". Her reply, "Nothing I can do..."

Today I get a letter saying they are raising the APR on cash advance and late payments, and increasing the late fee. (No diff for me, also my credit is excellent)

But there is a line below that advises:
"We are pleased to let you know that we will not charge you a fee if you go over your credit limit. Don't forget, it's important to keep your balance under your credit limit.

Effective Oct. 1st 2009

What do these mixed messages mean for me? Credit ratings hit for going over limit? How much over? How much of a hit? Did they use to charge a fee?