So I went for it today and got approved for all 9 cards (phew!). I was sweating after first sending all the applications and not getting more instant approvals.
Total: 515k miles/points
270k Hilton pts (incl VA50k->100k, HI 35k -> 70k)
30k Starpoints
100k Southwest miles
40k US Airways Miles
75k Membership Rewards
Here were my results:
Instant Approval:
30k SPG points ($5k in 6 months, $0) - Experian
2x50k HHonors Pts Citi Hilton ($1k in 4 months) two browser trick – Experian
50k VA -> 100k Hilton BofA ($2.5k in 3 months, $90 fee)
40k pts Barclay US Airways (first use, $0) - Transunion
Had to call:
75k point Amex Gold Business for $2k spend in 4 mo (targeted) - Experian
Called up, the guy was nice and just verified my identity and then approved me and said he would expedite the card so it'll be to me in 2-3 days.
50k SW points personal ($1k in 3 months, $69) - Equifax
Called up recon line and they said I was initially declined. I explained why I wanted the card, she put me on hold, and then came back and said they could reconsider as long as I moved existing credit line.
50k SW points business ($1k in 3 months, $69) – Equifax
Called biz reconsideration line, she pulled up my app, said she needed to just ask a few questions about the biz and she could approve.
35k Hawaiian Air Bof HI ($1k in 4 months) – Experian?
Called up recon line. CSR said she just needed to make sure I didn't accidentally submit a second app (since I submitted the Virgin App at the same time). I explained I needed the HI miles for a honeymoon and it wasn't a mistake.