Also, we are now discouraged from giving out our extensions.
that makes no sense
i always get the extension if i need to be in contact with the agent.
can you give us any hint at why they would make that a policy? (whether formal or informal)
in my experience, the only time i do not get a call back when i need one (incomplete info / unanswered questions) is when the person i talk to originally is going to pass on my information to someone else / higher up / etc.