I use the crap out of my cards. I use them because I want the credit grantors to see me using my cards and so far, the majority of new tradelines that I got in the past 6 months have given me CLI increases in that short time. I credit that fact with 1) using heavily and 2) letting a balance report here and there giving them some profit (interest paid) and then paying my balances keeping util low.
Yes, they want you to use your cards BUT using them doesn't mean you have to get into debt! Remember that. Except for emergencies, absolute need, a special occasion, NEVER charge more than you can afford to pay back quickly.
In your case, looks like you used the cards (which is fine) but racked up large balances that you couldn't pay back quickly.
Obvious advice: pay down your debt, BUT still make a charge or two on those cards while paying down the debt. Example, if you're trying to pay down a $2,000 balance, pay as much as possible monthly BUT also charge $15 or $20 to the card (new charges) and pay that off THE SAME MONTH. Now you're in a situation where you're paying down debt and still "using" the cards (with the exception being you're paying back quickly what you've charged).
Personally, I admire a person who's racked up debt and then pays it back. Personally, in the credit world, I think it's a great badge of honor in fact to have fallen into the charge card trap (by charging beyond yours means) and then having the character and will to pay it back (spending is more fun than paying the Piper as they say!).
