This has been a really terrific thread. Thanks a ton NoSoup, you made a really good article and lots of great information.
Thanks also for the link to the annual credit report, I had been meaning to check on that.
https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp
It looks like all 3 are now working on the web, I got my reports. I actually look pretty damn good, only one '30 days late' on an account a couple years ago. I think it was because we moved and I didn't get the statement.
I just wish the score itself was free because I don't know what mine is...