However - most people don't realize that you don't really have a single "score"... or even three scores (one for each credit bureau).

Banks often have their own unique twist on the scoring process that they pay the bureaus to produce for them. So whether they want to look at total credit utilization or that of specific revolving accounts is up to them.

Obviously, a Capital One card in your wallet would be revolving credit. What about, say, a Fingerhut account or Nordstrom card?

Kind of also wondering if one's credit score is improved by the addition of a "store" card (because, hey! more credit capacity!) or diminished (because of the hard credit pull).

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It’s possible to have store credit for a fixed amount over a given period (which would not count)... but if they give you a credit limit and you can keep using it for additional purchases at the store as you pay the debt down... it’s a revolving account.

you can't afford it in the first place.

I pay all my balances in full every single month, but I run my spending through a card to get hotel points, frequent flier mileage, and sometimes cash back.

Generally, for most people, you've got a good point.

Credit cards are the way to go for online purchases, 'cause the card company will back you up in a charge dispute. As will Pay Pal, which requires a card to open an account.

Using a card to pay for plus 30 day items, which rack up interest payments, not good at all.

Total outstanding balance divided by total credit limits.