I'm actually a PTS agent. I usually offer to call the hotel if it shows sold out. Most agents do, but some don't. Don't hesitate to ask the agent to call. If a room does become available as a result from the phone call, it's not that Amex hadsome "pull". When a hotel is not quite sold out, but almost, it is very typical that they hold back the rest of the rooms for direct booking. Again, if you get a "sorry sold out" response, and it's a hotel you really want, ask the agent to call. Sometimes we have to fax a request, and it can take some time to get a response.