The rumors are always better than the truth ...

I have a Platinum Card, and I remember people telling me you had to spend tons of money to even qualify, so I called them up and the rep told me, ten years as an AMEX card holder or $5,000/year in spending, which isn't a whole lot when it comes down to it (less than $500/month).

I really doubt that the Black is $20,000/month ... $20,000/year I would believe, which would be four times the threshold for the Platinum Card.