FWIW, I applied for the card on 11/25, was approved a couple days later and called AMEX (not the Delta reps). I asked if I could have my card expedited so I could get the MQMs in time. The lady was more than helpful and cancelled the card that had been sent in the normal mail, and overnighted a new one to me, which will be here tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes, but if your gonna give it a shot, time is starting to run thin!