Bummer! However do not give up hope just yet as an Amex rep will always tell you that you are not eligible for the sign-on bonus points as that is what the terms state.
Cannot be helped now, but strategically you should not have mentioned "insisted that i wanted the explorer card in the gateway program as that's the only way to earn the 100,000 signup bonus"
He may be correct that they have fixed the loophole. Then again it may not be so, or yet be so. I would still suggest you spend $1500 on the Gateway Program and see what occurs. That will only cost you 750 points, but may gain you 110K. Only after whether you know it does not work then seek to relink.
yeah that's definitely the plan. i'll still do the spend and just see what happens. i did ask for the gateway program for explorer, and he said he'll try but that there might be a chance i'll end up with both cards in ascent. crossing my fingers. anyway, i'll keep you guys posted how it plays out.