My experience (in short). Maybe it will help someone.
I opened 3 Chase, 1 Chase AU, and (supposedly, see below) 1 Barclay in last 24 months.
Applied for Reserve, got denied.
Called Recon. Rep was incredibly brusque. Didn't even say hello etc. just "let me check the status etc." - put on hold - "denied, too many cards opened in the last 24 months. Is there anything else I can help you with?".
HUCA'd recon. Next rep was rude "didn't you already speak to a colleague about this already?". Couldn't budge him, even by explaining that 1 of the 5 was AU.
HUCA'd recon. Rep asked me how I use the AU card. I innocently replied that I use it and then "we" (my wife and I) pay the bill. She pounced on that "so, you're telling me you are responsible to pay the bill of the AU, and therefore it counts as 5/24".
HUCA'd recon. Rep said no way to approve due to 5/24. I tried explaining that 1 was AU. She replied "your account was already noted by a previous rep that you are responsible for the AU". Ouch. I then asked her what the 5 were. She told me 3 Chase, 1 Chase AU, and 1 Barclay. I honestly couldn't recall any Barclay so I tried getting that discounted. She said you need to dispute with Experian.
Called Experian about the Barclay. They said the account was open and in good standing. I'm absolutely sure that I have no open Barclay account, even if I may have possibly opened one in the last 24 months (which I don't think I did). Seeing something was clearly wrong, I disputed the Barclay. They said can take up to 30 days, then 7 days to contact me.
I wasn't happy since after 30 days I would need to re-apply with Chase.
HUCA'd Chase recon. Told them I disputed the Barclay but it may take too long. The conversation was pleasant and rep was nice. After trying different ideas the rep suggested getting removed as AU. I got her to say point-blank that if removed I'd be approved and had her put those words in the notes.
Called Chase CS to get removed as AU. Rep thankfully mentioned to call Experian too, otherwise it would still show on my credit report.
Called Experian. Had AU removed.
HUCA'd recon. Asked rep to read notes of previous rep that if removed as AU I'd be approved. Rep read notes, put me on hold, asked questions, hold again, asked questions.....
Approved.