Not disagreeing with your post EricCKS, makes good sense.

Part I don't understand is that closing Credit Cards with no outstanding balance on them, can actually go against a person's credit rating.  Was watching the morning news, and some financial guru's were stating be very very careful about closing unused credit cards cause the Credit scorer's see that as Loss of credit potential.  Shows as a negative on credit ratings.

I believe the whole "credit rating system" has elevated its status to rediculous.  Every minute facet of a person's bill paying has been diesected to the point of rediculous.  

A person may get paid say on the 1st friday of the month, and pay their bills. But the bills were all due on the 1st Wendsday...   ding-ding-ding,, "bad credit rating".

Someone who walks away from debts, foreclosed home, business, etc..  I agree makes sense, the person is not good with money.   But anyone who pays their bills consistanly and its clear the person is simply paid at a different time than when a creditor decides to make a bill due..

just like rediculous nit-picking.