What's the source of information about the ten-year mark you mentioned? Thank you for posting the explanation.
http://www.experian.com/ask_max/deleting_information.html Closed accounts: Closed accounts are accounts that are no longer available for further use. Closed accounts may or may not have a zero balance. Closed accounts with delinquencies remain seven years from the date they are reported closed, whether closed by the creditor or by the consumer. Positive closed accounts remain 10 years. https://www.econsumer.equifax.com/w...ageFrameServlet?payloadName=pgFYI.jsp#howlong Credit Accounts Accounts paid as agreed remain on file for up to 10 years from the date of last activity (DLA). Accounts not paid as agreed remain on file for 7 years from the date of last activity (DLA).
Cap1 one is an exception to the rule. You probably helped your score by closing cap1 since their reporting is so screwy. Plus, some have theorized that subprime lenders actually hurt your FICO. Don't sweat closing Cap1, it was not a mistake.