I signed up for my Starwood business card back in mid-April. I just went to SM Amex to try to get bumped up to the new 30k deal.
Funny thing happened. I see a notice that starting Aug 30, there will be all chats, no emails. I took a mental note of it and proceeded to start my SM. After filling out a few fields, it automatically brought me to live chat.
Anyway, sounds like you will now have to brush up on your chatting skills with Amex.
Here's the report of my chat tonight with "Amond."
At first he said that there was nothing he could do. But I told him I am a cardholder for 22 years. Then I start sweet talking him, telling him how nice they are at Amex. Suddenly, he says I should hold on. A security question pops up on my screen (mother's maiden name.)
After five minutes of very little activity, he offers me 1,000. I say thank you so much but can you do better? He says, nope, that's the best we can do. I said thanks, and I took the 1,000.
All in all, I can't complain. I got the card over three months ago.
See the attached screenshot for my dopey conversation.