He didn't say those words but i dont think the implication can be more clear
"implication"? If he didn't complete the spend, obviously the bonus didn't post, and therefore his "confirmed report" is totally meaningless.
Again - his only source is from an Amex phone rep, and you called that a "confirmed report"?
If it is indeed still alive please posit a more logical reason as to why not.
Because he didn't complete the spend.