I've posted about the approval over in the ''Approvals' section here:
http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Card-Approvals/Amex-PRG-Approved-finally/td-p/4608859
I'm leaving the rest intact since someone else might find the information useful. 
This morning I apped for the Amex Delta Gold, and was approved. Before heading back to the garden I figured I would try to get the 50k MR offer one last time since it will probably be the same HP (I had not seen that offer on my PC since last fall) and on the second try I got it - it wasn't the "really, really" good offer, but just the "really" good offer - 50k MR points for $2k spend.
So, since I had already burned the HP I figured 'what the heck' and I sent the app... and it promptly went to 'In Progress'. The screen told me they needed me to call them, so I dialed the number, put in the required info (last four # of SS, billing ZIP code) and after a very brief pause the conversant system responded that 'the system needed to assist you is currently not available to either a customer service rep or the automated assistant - please try your call again later" (or something to that effect). 
The application was around 7AM, I tried calling numerous times and kept getting the same message. Finally at exactly 12 noon (five hours later) I got the following email:
I called the number on the original screen, the number provided on the Amex 'Application Status' website, and the number for recon, and they all seem to ring to exactly the same system (with the same "the system is not available" message). I've been getting that message for eight hours now. The status website simply states the app is still "In Progress" (at least it's not 'declined').
At this point I'm just going to hangout and see what happens. All the numbers state (on the various webpages) that they are available until midnight (ET), so I might try again later this evening. I just can't believe that a company this size could have a system as seemingly important as this one have downtime... I would think 'new accounts' would be a priority.
I've also read a few threads on here (and other sites) that sometimes when people get this message it simply works out on it's own (they get an email hours later that the card was approved), so that's always a possibility as well. My only concern is that if they call me on my home number they will most likely get voice mail, and I can only imagine how playing phone-tag with them must be. 
@Anonymous wrote:That's a good email. I would just wait it out and if you don't get an approval email in the next few days then call them. It might be verification, but the wording in that email is a good sign. Good luck!
Thanks!
That's encouraging... I had a Green card until March and I've got the BCP that is over a year old so I felt pretty good about the app (plus my EX is quite a bit higher than last year when I got the Green and BCP).
When I got the Green and BCP last year it was on the same day, both auto-approved... perhaps things have changed since then. LOL 
After this one I'm definitely ready to garden for a while... my last stint was six months, and I think I'll do at least that much again. I can't take the "app drama" anymore! 
@UncleB wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:That's a good email. I would just wait it out and if you don't get an approval email in the next few days then call them. It might be verification, but the wording in that email is a good sign. Good luck!
Thanks!
That's encouraging... I had a Green card until March and I've got the BCP that is over a year old so I felt pretty good about the app (plus my EX is quite a bit higher than last year when I got the Green and BCP).
When I got the Green and BCP last year it was on the same day, both auto-approved... perhaps things have changed since then. LOL
After this one I'm definitely ready to garden for a while... my last stint was six months, and I think I'll do at least that much again. I can't take the "app drama" anymore!
I think they might be paying closer attention to apps, especially after the whole 100k Platinum fiasco. I don't think you have anything to worry about UncleB - I feel an approval coming your way soon
@Anonymous wrote:Your second app is probably on hold due to back-to-back apps. I would call them again and see if you can get through to a rep. Same thing happened to me 2 weeks ago when I double apped. The rep told me it was put on hold to ensure I was the one who was truly applying.
I found the application status number on the CC Application board sticky.
Yeah, I've already tried that number... it rings to the same place as the number on the email.
That's OK... at least since it's a system issue I know it's (probably) not me, and one way or another it will work out. 
@UncleB wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:Your second app is probably on hold due to back-to-back apps. I would call them again and see if you can get through to a rep. Same thing happened to me 2 weeks ago when I double apped. The rep told me it was put on hold to ensure I was the one who was truly applying.
I found the application status number on the CC Application board sticky.
Yeah, I've already tried that number... it rings to the same place as the number on the email.
That's OK... at least since it's a system issue I know it's (probably) not me, and one way or another it will work out.
Hey UncleB.
Could be a hold up to verify if you actually applied. Once they verify it's you, then they'll put the app on hold for five days and do another HP and after that you should be good. If they were going to deny it, then you would not have gotten the reference number. Sometimes with them it is better to apply for the card you really want first. Have faith that you will receive an approval.