My newest card, an Alaska Airlines Visa Signature, superbly illustrates the use for util of the high balance in lieu of the credit limit.
I charged a good chunk of money to it and then paid a bit over half before the statement cutoff. Because the reported balance was considerable, it was clear that the card was used for util.
My scores took a hit, but the rest of the balance will be paid at the due date, after which will soon follow the next statement cutoff, at which point my scores will return to a normal level.
Actually a little better due to this card. 