Don't be dismayed. I have been in your position and received declines from Apple for the same reasons. This is a game. You now know the rules better.
The outlook is good! I have received over 30k in CLI from Apple. But to get there I had to put a lot of spend on the card. I can't see that I can do that going forward though.
I don't know if buying Apple has any effect. But have texted for a CLI stating the I want one to buy a new MacBook. All of the requests have been automated accept the last.
