Folks the matters have been RESOLVED.

I used the 'fraud' word with the charge card agents after dozens of calls and, as if magic, I was instantly transferred to another department. It took a few minutes to explain the issues and perhaps two for the problems to be solved. Near instantly all was good. The huge credit was applied to the available funds. The pending charge stuck in limbo was authorised. They even credited me for the difference in the value of currency between the date of the transaction and the date they eventually authorised the charge ($56). Yay!