I love the advice to get a second job. Ever watch the news? Millions layed off and millions more working part-time if they can find it.
Obviously your rent is too high for your income. You may not have cheaper alternatives - where I live that is cheap rent. The roomate may be a good idea if you can find someone reliable that's not a lunatic.
Definately opt out of the increase.
Paying down your debt helps your credit score. Paying on time, utilization rate (amount you owe compared to the limit) and age of account effects your score the most. Negotiating your rate won't effect your score. Neither will an opt out. When your account is closed, it may eventually effect your score because the age of your accounts will slowly start to change. But that is nothing to worry about. Write downs and charge offs will hammer your score. Always pay what is agreed to. The trick is to get the agreement.
Another idea - check your exemptions on your w-4. Do you get a big refund each year? Change your exemptions and get back more money each week. At 1800 a month, you should not be paying much, if anything, in taxes.
Good luck.
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