Hi there,
can you have the creditors agree in writting to remove the entire entry from your credit report alltogether once you pay? They do have the authority to do this (they might say initally they don't be be persistent). If they do agree, very importatnt to get this in writting.
Your debt stays on from date of last activity and acknowledgingyour debt in a letter is considered the date of last activity. For that reason try to discuss everything over the phone (getting the creditor to commit their end in writting otherwise you'll be SOL if they renege). If you do have to write something choose your words carefully. Ie call it the "alledged debt" rather than just "debt".
After you get the baddies taken off, consider to take out a secured visa or mc for $500 and keep your monthly use to 10%and pay it on time. Do not use it more than 10% a month and your points will soar.
Goodluck