My advice is to keep the card until that last baddie falls off and then try for a CLI again. I had a similar experience with Amex (although not for as long as you), but I wasn't able to get an increase until both of my collections were completely removed. Since you said you still have a judgement on your report, I think that might be what's holding you back from an increase. Since you really don't have too much longer until it's removed, just hang in there until then if you can. I know it's frustrating, but that kind of backdating is definitely worth a little more patience.
