I was confused by the 'free flight' thing: the unsolicited plat coloured cards look alike, I think I only got 1 point per $, the Amex rep told me the renewal fee was going to be $1200 (but I think I have another plat colored card??), the routes were domestic not international, the routes aren't all the airline's routes, the routes weren't relevant, the flights weren't free either, and the card's insurance wasn't somehow as good as a 'real' Amex travel insurance policy. The rep also said things, to a person with the Securities Exchange Commission and the direct line to the DoJ's lead prosecutor in US Gov v Amex and the cell # for directors for auditors, that might sound right to laypeople but don't sound right to me.
You certainly do sound confused...
1. Some people in this thread have been talking about a deal where you get a 'cheaper' or 'companion' fare when you book a full priced flight (business or first) through Amex travel. This is different to the free flight
2. as a holder of the 'Platinum Charge Card' you pay $1200 in annual fee. You are entitled to the 'Platinum Reserve Card' with no annual fee (this would normally cost about $400). This Reserve card (whether obtained in partnership with the platinum charge or by itself) entitles you to a free flight with
Virgin Australia. This flight is to selected destinations and from some departure points it will include international flights such as Bali or New Zealand, in addition to domestic flights to most domestic locations. You must take out this Reserve card in order to get the free flight. This flight costs you nothing. This card is a credit card and runs as a separate card with a separate due date, however the award points are all pooled into the same account as your platinum charge card. The points earn is the same for both the Reserve and the Platinum Charge - it is the 1/2/3 model that Amex has moved to. This card will also have a separate insurance policy to the charge card - if you don't think it meets your needs then I'd suggest you look at the insurance available to you under the charge card.
As a reference point, I have both cards and only ever put charges through the Platinum Charge. I hold the Reserve card for the free flight and its also a back-up card should something happen while I'm traveling overseas. Yes the model of having two accounts can be a little frustrating but I really don't find that it outweighs the benefits of the flight.
I think you'll find the members here are generally supportive and if there is something you are wanting to understand about the cards they will be willing to help, or if you have specific comments on Amex Australia then you might find some supporters who are in the same boat.
We are also generally an accepting lot - if you have thoughts people will listen even if they don't agree. I'm not sure that you have to keep repeating your 'connections' in each post. These aren't necessary for you to have an opinion or for people to believe that you have something important to say.
I hope your experience with Amex either improves or you end your relationship with them - either way I think you'll be happier for it.