Debt consolidtion vs CC balance liquidation program

Dear Expert:

We have about $55,000.00 of credit card debt we have been valiantly trying to pay off for several years. I am a partner at my firm (self employed) and the past couple years have been very shaky but we have managed to stay current on all cards (6 total) until recently. My income is decent but can be on and off based on business cash flow.

We are now behind on 3 cards. I have been able to convert these 3 to a BLP (Chase) to a 2% or less rate over 41 months. This of course closes my accounts.

The other 3 cards are in good standing but have large balances and high interest rates; approx, 17,500 of the 55,000. The majority of this is from business losses.

I have been talking with Wells Fargo about a personal loan to consolidate all or some of the cards. I was told it is better to have a personal loan vs a card balance. I am not sure how true that is.

I have several questions - essentially what is the best strategy for dealing with this:

• Is it a good idea to try and consolidate all cards?
  
• Is it better to try and consolidate the higher interest rates only and continue with the BLP's?
  
• I am strongly considering settlement, but am concerned about credit rating - which is excellent with the except of debt management category.
  

My over-arching question is what is the best strategy for handling this. We really want to get out from under the debt & we do feel the credit card companies have made alot of money on us.

Any help would be greatly apppreciated.

Sincerely,

Shallowpockets