Even if a creditor did report to all three recording dates will differ. So, you usually end up with three quite different scores. The widespread use of credit scoring allows for speedy, objective analysis of credit histories. It also means that borrowers who once might have experienced problems, with individual lenders' prejudices or subjective credit decisions, are less likely to do so. FICO scores are objective and based on large volumes of verified statistical data.
Credit scoring brings a new level of fairness to the credit granting process.
Ah ha, that's the big question. Only Fair Isaac knows and they aren't talkin'. They don't want the public to know because that may change behavior and mess up their models. They have shared some basic information. The more recent the late payments, the lower your credit score.