Both could be correct.
(Turfmoore - clearly you are an English teacher. Do you own any businesses as well?)
mmmm
(Turfmoore - clearly you are an English teacher. Do you own any businesses as well?)
Maybe modern English usage may now allow "amount" for things that can be counted, but I would have thought "number" is still appropriate. Incorrect use of "less" (rather than "fewer") in similar circumstances is another one that really pisses me off - well not really, but that is the thread title.
And as for your observations?
English teacher - no, but am married to one! Ha.
And yes, own a business (of sorts). Intrigued.