Well it's currently unclaimed because you haven't filed the amended return.
Hmm, ok, that sounds good! I hope that is what they mean, although it would have been more straightforward for them just to say that the deadline has been extended for 1040X. At the very least, if they deny it, I should have good grounds for appeal in that my request for a copy was most likely delayed by the corona virus situation. Or that might not fly at all.
So I guess I could wait for the copy due in a few days or weeks and file the 1040X properly rather than try to rush it through with redone forms which they would most likely reject anyway. But then I'll give up any claim that I got it in before April 15. I guess it all depends on how they would handle a "faulty" return. If they return it with a chance to correct it, great, since I should have the copies by then. But if they take umbrage to me trying to duplicate the 2016 forms, who knows what could happen. It is still a tough choice.
Thanks for the discussion, Sukhoi. I appreciate it. I sure managed to get myself into a tight spot.
For clarity, here is the snippet from the IRS document linked above in your first post.
2016 unclaimed refunds – deadline extended to July 15
For 2016 tax returns, the normal April 15 deadline to claim a refund has also been extended to July 15, 2020. The law provides a three-year window of opportunity to claim a refund. If taxpayers do not file a return within three years, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury. The law requires taxpayers to properly address, mail and ensure the tax return is postmarked by the July 15, 2020, date.