has anyone had any luck settling with Solomon and

Well... I don't have a personal experience in this regard. However, what I can say is that creditors/collection agencies do settle debts which will help you in reducing your outstanding debts by 40% - 60%. Thus, it will depend upon your negotiation power whether or not your creditor/collection agencies agree to lower your outstanding balance for less than 50% and forgives the rest of the dues.

Suggest that you come up with a number for settlement and make an offer to the collection agency. Tell them that's all you can afford and that you want to get this resolved. You might want to give yourself some wiggle room - that is - offer them 25% and maybe they'll settle for 30 or 35%. I did that with Citibank, but the account had not gone to collection.

The collection agency will have to go back to Citi for approval. Good luck.