(My opinion was solicited, other opinions may vary.) Although the calls seemed (at the time) to be unproductive, I’m 99% certain that calling helped and was the proximate cause of the approval.

I don’t know if “computer system for our representatives to look at this information is down …” is true or just a line they feed us. I don’t know if and when and how they would “look at the information”, before or after closing 3-4 accounts and if those 3-4 closures would have been looked at. I believe that we never get the full story, they keep some information close to the vest. Thus it’s also possible that I was never told all the reasons for a pending decision and in the course of one of the calls inadvertently and coincidentally mentioned (in a favorable way) something else involved in the decision.

I’m a strong advocate of calling and have been for many (~20-30) years. I understand the rational of fewer human eyes on account (particularly with my notional biz credentials), I think the benefits of calling outweigh the risks. I’ve had many (~40-50) productive and lucrative recon calls (mostly with Chase prior to 5/24) I’ve not had any adverse actions (other than a denial that stood) during or after a recon call and I’ve usually been able to get immediate gratification (a decision), occasionally even with a recon call I’ve had to wait a few days.