I was like you. I started 08/2013. Applied like crazy. I think I applied for 2-4 cards a month. Instant approval for the first 4 or 5 cards, then started getting declines.

Barclay, is tough. First 2 cards approved. Then additional 2 cards denied. and they will not budget. So wait at least 6 months to apply for a 3rd card.

US Bank. Should have applied for them first. I applied for them after my 8th cards or so. They denied and won't budge because of all the inquiries.

Citi only denied me once, and wouldn't budget because I applied for 3 cards within 65 days.

I apply for about 2 cards every months. I haven't applied for any this month because I want to slow down a bit. I think I have about 14 inquiries within the last 6 months.