Actually, you are partially right. It is best to remain calm, that is true. Collection companies can actually assist you in avoiding the credit bureau if you communicate with them from the onset. They may be able to assist you in actually financing a past due bill so you can get it resolved and get back on track, when it may not have been possible to get financing via a bank... and you most definitely don't want to approach a payday loan. So, gold star on the keeping calm, mahtchew, but you may want to rethink your other suggestions.
Hmmm. Sounds like "Freedom" works for this company and is trolling these entries and replying to them. You claim by your posts that debt collectors are normal people, etc., etc. Yes, that's true - people with no scruples and who don't care about anything except getting their quota's of collections met. Had a debt collector contact me about a debt that 1) had been paid a long time ago and, 2) was over 22 years old!!! WAAYYYY past the statute of limitations for collection!! Now, convince me that's honest and ethical "Freedom"!! HA!