Thanks for the responses.

And yes, I did just today hear the bad news. Found my most recent statement (w/103K pts.) but the 800 number folks said there was no record in "their database." Some persistence and pushing later, a supervisor found my account, and former credit card account, but said my points were "swept."

The fact that the program's terms and conditions did NOT provide for termination when I was a member and paid the a couple hundred dollars for the privilege of accumulating said points from my corporate card; the fact that prior to giving up my card and twice in the years following, they confirmed (orally in phone calls) my points balance AND again the fact that they would not terminate; the fact that the apparent change in their terms and conditions is something of which I was not notified...none of these change the facts as they see it.

Thus my only remedy, as it was explained to me, is to petition their Member Services department in writing, which I will do. Ugh, I know that I should not have been reassured by the previous customer service reps' (now apparently inaccurate) statements. Having experienced AMEX' smug and condescending approach to any dispute resolution makes me think the only response my letter requesting some equity in redemption will be a mealy mouthed form letter. Oh well, easy come, easy go. Wait a minute...those points did NOT come easy!