After 6+ years of credit repair (post-divorce) and being stuck with two HSBC CCs with $1k each (no rewards, etc.), I FINALLY got a CC with a decent CL ($10k) today. My scores came up from low 500s six years ago to mid-700s (and an 805 on EQ) as of now.
After receiving my first pre-approval worth considering (Discover More) today after many many years of junk card offers - I got up the nerve to take an inquiry hit and apply today for the card I really wanted - the United Mileage Plus Select (I travel a fair amount). 30k miles after 1st purchase (bumped to 50k for being a Mileage Plus Member already), 5k anniversary miles / yr, 3 miles / $1 on United, 2 miles / $1 everyday), etc...
I filled out the on-line application and it gave me the standard 7-10 day notice about decision. I called the backdoor number (thank you FICO forums) and gave them some basic information about income, job, current accounts and Walla - she said you've been approved for $10k - card will be in the mail within 10 days. 
))))
I got mine 2 months ago, got my miles already. I travel ALL the time from Middle East and DC. Its the only direct flight out of Kuwait, and its a united flight, so extra miles.
The only thing I think sucks is it reports as a flexible spending card, so it dosent help Util, till you max it out once to show the full credit limit.
Other then that no complaints, great customer serice (American)
Yes, I had two accounts listed as previously past-due on my TU, which was used, as of today:
1) Nicor (old utility account - long story divorce issue) 90 days
2) Mistakenly missed a car payment & BMW financial will NOT remove (about 3 years ago) 30 days
Otherwise, it's clean thanks to my very diligent clean-up work over the past 6 years. I've had literally dozens of items removed between my three reports of the past 6 years (nearly all valid issues). I'll never get myself in that mess again (baring some major unemployment or medical crisis). 
