well, on friday night around 9:30p, i decided to call MR one last time without any high expectations after being rejected many times for point expediting. I told the guy, who prob can see the notes from all the times I called (lol), that basically I've called many times and was told to wait 6-8 wks, but I had "associates" who applied the same time as me and was able to get a courtesy exception once they met spending in order to redeem the expiring BA bonus. I said I was disappointed and frustrated that I couldn't get the same courtesy exception. He put me on hold, came back and said he would send the request through and it would take 48 hrs due to the weekend. Well, lo and behold, I login today and I got the points in my account. But of course, it's Aug 1st, one day too late. I guess still a small victory after trying so many times.
It is reported the 50% bonus is still alive, if you do want BA miles.