KVU, given your aparent past spending with AmEx, do you not come close to qualifying for the Centurion? Personally, I would pull all of my business from AmEx given your frustration with them and simply find a good travel agent. My only reason for staying with AmEx is becuase they continue to waive my annual fee (actually they don't waive the fee becuase that's against their policy, but they do issue me a credit to cover the annual fee).

AmEx service is about the worst I've found. I was with Diners for years, but acceptance finally became too much of an issue. It's a shame becuase they had great service.