Remember that FICO automatically gives reason codes if you don't have a perfect score. Creditors often spit out those same reasons for denials.
Keeping utilization in check and with a solid profile, inquiries are very rarely the real reason.
I had no problem getting approvals with Amex, Chase and Citi this year with 20+ inquiries on EX. For both Citi apps, I had more than 6 inquiries in the previous 6 months.