Wanted to post another data point. Applied for the 100k link in May, met spend in July through a combination of organic spend (~1500) and spend at simon malls for gift cards (~2.5k). 100k MR pts were removed 9/21. When called they cited prepaid or re-loadable cards, or other cash equivalents; however they basically just read the T&C and looked through my spend to see if anything violated it. They had no power to do anything whatsoever and really were just guessing at the logic behind the points adjustment. They also denied my request to speak to the department that did decide to remove the pts, would not give me a number and declined to transfer me.
Filed a cfpb complaint today. Will be sending in a claim (americanexpress.com/
claim) and following through with arbitration if needed.
My wife also signed up at the same time for the 100k offer, her spend was 100% organic of about 4k, her points have not been touched, yet.