Originally Posted by
shadesofgrey1x
If they granted an exception they would have to do so for everyone and then set what the terms would be.
Why would that be the case? Granting a one-off exemption, on a discretionary non-public basis, would not obligate them to do the same for someone else in a similar position. They can do whatever they want, so long as they don't violate published rules. Look at the CK invitation thread - AA may have internal guidelines, but the third parties (such as FT readers) it can look like they are treating similar people in different ways.