hmm perhaps I spoke too soon. After reading more posts about btc-e, I logged on to the site and clicked deposit USD.
Under "international wire transfer" they have added this:

We don't accept international wire transfers from US Citizens or from US Banks
All transfers from US Citizens or US Bank will be refused by bank

I believe they have given up on complying with US regulations and will no longer accept US accounts. That's
bad news for me, since I still have coins stuck there under a "money hold". I'm anxiously awaiting further info.