It seems key to get AF waiver is to politely request to be transferred to US representative as soon as guy (or gal) from Phillipines picks up your call without wasting any time with them.

US rep was well ware of AF waiver process and immediately told me that there is particular protocol they need to provide and got someone else on the line who immediately waived the fee (she even blurted out that "this way you can keep this card for a year before canceling it" and "many of our customers are unhappy with airlines merger" - both comments were unsolicited)

Friend went through tough time with Manila staff before getting taken care of within minutes once transferred to US rep.

Whether its Barclays or Expedis or UPS, staff based in Manila call centers are always enthusiastic and polite but 99% of the time ineffective. (most likely they are instructed to follow very narrow script and are not allowed outside that narrow box)