I had a collection and charge-off account that were at or near the 7 years and ready to fall off my credit report. With the advice and help of many people here at the forums I was told to request an Early Exclusion with Experian (for the charge-off) and Transunion (for the collection) as they remove 3-6 months early. I didn't bother with Equifax as they only remove 30 days before and are privy to messing it up.
I requested the EE for Transunion via Credit Karma's dispute center and Experian via their website. I selected "other" for Experian and "this item is too old to be on my report" for Transunion. In the comment box I simply typed for both - "To the best of my knowledge, this trade-line is too old to be on my report and if you'd please be so kind to grant an Early Exclusion for this item to be removed from my report. Thank you." And that was it. I got an email from CK that my dispute was underway and 2 hours later I got another email from CK that my dispute was completed and that the collection was removed from my account. I haven't received an email from Experian yet, but I do monitor my reports closely and I did see that both the charge-off and collection was removed. I'm guessing I'll receive an email from them soon.
I hope this information helps others in their journey and to never give up! I am happy to report that I have clean reports on both Experian and Transunion and my FICO jumped a whopping 72 points on Experian from 688 → 763!!!! I won't be able to view my updated Transunion score yet until I get another free trial, but I'll update back when I get it.
Good luck to all! 
Congratulations!
Fabulous! Congratulations.
Congratulations on your successes!!
Congratulations on your success!
That's great! Congrats on your EE and massive increase in your score!
