I think that some people are fussing way too much in here.

I had a First Bank CC that got closed 2 months after I got it back in 2002 and my report does show it as closed by the grantor. I don't think that this is negative nor my experience since then suggests so. My balance was 0$ before they've closed it and the reason for the closure was most likely the AOR at this point in time. Since then I've got only 2 denials due to utilization/too many accounts. I don't think it matters who has closed it and if banks even look for that when it was paid as agreed.

As far as FR is concerned, AMEX tried to pull a mini FR on me for a CL increase and they've stated clearly that IF I want the increase, then I should comply and if I don't comply, there won't be an increase beyond the 8K they've given me.

I believe it is a fair game. Most FRed people do crazy stuff and I believe that even though there are folks who got FRed for no reason, most of the times there is a back story to it.

And yes, I've done quite a bit of CLI button love, although WITHIN a reason, up to 2 times a year per card if even that and never beyond 50% of the current limit.