Unbelievable!
So I rang again, did the "I'd like to cancel" bit, got put through to a customer relationship manager, who asked me why "I didn't ask for the fee to be reduced". I pointed out that I had, but had been point-blank refused.
Anyway, best she would do was no annual fee for the next year only and downgrade to Gold. I asked about the no fee for life card, and she said she couldn't do it - but suggested I apply, and "when that is approved", cancel the newly downgraded gold card and just keep the free for life card.
So, I've received my new downgraded gold card, and my application for a fee-free for life gold card has also been approved. Since there is a potential points cap, I'll keep both, and push through the bulk of the spending on the fee card. Then I'll ring up again in twelve months to cancel it before the fee is due, and go through the same process again to get the fee waived
