So true!
Just to follow up:
I called the Boston Admiral's Club, and they had to call AC Headquarters to get the authorization to issue the refund. HQ asked them to offer me one additional month instead of the refund, and when I declined in favor of cash, told me it would be at least 2 billing cycles to see the refund.
But at least the BOS AC has been educated, so I recommend you all renew there
