It's not that I think they are "nothing more than", It's the lenders who do what ever is needed to close a loan. I am aware of the consequences of using co-signers. If you don't undestand what I stated, I was speaking from the lenders point of view. I am being scolded for giving illegal advice. I just wanted to make the point there are alot of illegal and unethical things going on in the industry.
I can tell you stories of appraisers we had on file to get the values and lenders we used that charged 1/4 to 1/2% rate higher just to pocket a nice rebate check. You can choose to close your eyes to the facts if you wish.