I have found Citi to be a pain in the....Especially compare to Chase. I was denied for too many inquiries as well. I phoned the reconsideration line 3 times before writing the Executive Review Department. I didn't get the answer I was looking for. I have an over 740 credit score and it killed me to waste a hard inquiry. Killed me.
I hope your experience is better than mine. Best of Luck.