Any IH experienced with Amadeus API?

I'm working on my product, funnel.travel, and have reached a point where I need access to the Amadeus Enterprise API. There seems to be a "by the book" way to gain access, which entails going through the local sales rep, long delays (months!), and eventually a "client application provider" contract asking for a low 6-digit annual payment to Amadeus (sic).

This road seems both financially and time-wise not terribly great. I've heard rumors that Amadeus has a group supporting startups, and that these might get much better conditions.

Does anyone have experience with Amadeus or possibly even contacts who could shed a light on my options?