You just have to be selective about which cards you apply for. Do you already have too much credit with that bank? How much credit limit do you have over all your cards? Is that very high compared to your income? Maybe the banks don't like your AAoA.

There's some reason you're getting straight up denied for 3 cards. I know it's frustrating to have that happen, but perhaps you need to let your current cards age a little bit.

For me, the real MS downer was the loss of Kate. I'm not so worried about the CC app rules (yet.)