I think if you get someone telling you it's dead you should call back.
To clarify:
I called United, went to MileagePlus, Chose Manage Account, got connected to a CSR and they told me yes, it is still alive and then put me through to the dept that takes apps. This was today, Saturday, 10 April, 2010.
I got instant approval but my scores are well above 750 on all 3 agencies.
Interestingly, the last card I tried to apply for was another AA Citi MC but I got denied. The letter that came said my credit was too extended or over used. I found that strange. But when I called they said the real reason was because I already had a Citi MC and they were done issuing my new ones. Even if I canceled that one they would not give me another. Citi was now done with churning (a couple of months ago is when this all went down)
I have no probs with my credit. I have also not had any United or Chase Visa for like 8-9 years but the last one I did have earned me miles in my UA Acct.
Anyway, as for this 50k gig, the deal is still good. Keep trying!
MM