I'm in the US, yes. I think the fact that so much power is in the hands of the lenders is exactly why these programs exist: they put an equally large company, as well as a law firm, behind the lender. I've really been amazed at what they've accomplished for us. Sometimes I feel a little guilty about the settlements, but then I remember that (a) the alternative would have been bankruptcy,* and (b) we have doubtless paid what we owe in all those months of making minimum payments (which are mostly interest).

*No judgment on those who've had to take that route.