Smokey your a bit off on some of your statements.
I studied / helped my sister after her divorce go from Mid 500 ficos to around 730 scores now. Will be writing a book soon on credit repair / managing your credit, etc.
1. Never ever pay 1 cent to a "credit repair" company. Total rip off and something you can do yourself for an hour or 2 a week. For almost free - (stamps, paper, etc)
2. It is totally legal to dispute anything on your credit reports per FCPA (Fair credit reporting act)
3. If you dispute in most cases the creditor has 30 days to respond to the CRA you disputed from or that trade line / account will be deleted off your report. (most cases)
4. Never EVER if you are being called, etc and "think" you owe money to a creditor or a collection agency - talk with them on the phone. Always do via US mail.
5. There is really nothing you can't get off your credit reports with a little work, disputes, etc.
6. Always pay your bills on time if you can
There are hundreds more hints but am a bit busy right now.