As part of a settlement with AMEX (PIF not a CO), I accepted an Optima card almost 3 years ago. I've steadily improved my credit standing and applied for, and was approved for a Gold Delta Skymiles. The question is what do I do with my Optima Card? I'd like to move on from the stigma of the Optima, but with an MSD of '81, there's a real benefit to keeping it around.
Thoughts?
MSD was correct on my new Delta card right out of the gate. I contacted AMEX to see if they would move my Optima CL over to my Delta card...no dice. To be sure, I have a call into their executive office to have them validate. Interestingly enough, the CSR (who was incredibly helpful) practically urged me to request a CLI on my Delta card (had for 2 weeks) since I couldn't move my Optima CL over. It was all I could do not to say anything about the "61 day wait". 
You open a new account and get 33 years of credit along with it.
Say what you want about AMEX but that incentive alone beats any other firm's incentive on the market.
To add they have the most generious CLI opportunity in existence and soft pull declines.
What's next? No more hard pulls for existing card members no matter if declined or approved?
Thanks for sharing and updating us on the process. 
"When you're fresh meat you kill... and give them something fresher" (Frank Underwood)