Thanks NoWindowSeat - I think I had something like 14k on the green card last year when they said they can't waive the fee (and tried to make me believe they have never waived fees).
Did the "old" customers get the 15k/7,5k deal formally offered by Amex at some point? If there was no formal agreement, I wonder why they would still continue to give it to "old" customers, and where indeed does the line between "old" and "new" go - or is it just a story they're making up for those who ask.