add to that risk the predatory nature of credit card debt,

the interest is already super high, they can increase that further after a late payment, plus it stays on your record for 6 years

Well, other people's unemployment may also reduce your salary prospects, stop career progression and make switching jobs much harder.

That said, you shouldn't ever carry any credit card debt anyway.

payments, and ability to even get a job if your score takes a hit... a lot of companies do credit checks before hiring :/

Yep, depends on the state though. Can also affect your insurance rates too such as car insurance, not sure if other types of insurance use it as an indicator but wouldn't surprise me.

Yes, just reduce your debt, particularly discretionary high interest ones like credit cards.