want to know why the banks are screwed?

i have 3 credit cards that are all in arrears, one has gone to collection the other 2 are close behind. i contacted the bank in question where i have been a depositor for over 20 years and have my mortgage and told them i can no longer pay the minimums but i would be willing to make a token payment on each, each month as a show of good faith. they told me to go *fudge* myself if i couldn't make the minimum they will all be going to collection. i asked if we couldn't work out an interim payment plan till i get back on my feet and they said sure but i would first have to catch them all up. so in other words they would rather get nothing than get something. 

nothing it is then.