Is ''credit rating'' a dated concept?

I still get letters from my bank every couple of months offering me to sell myself into a life of debt slavery, so I assume that my credit rating counts for something in that. That and the fact I have never taken them up on it.

I'm surprised at the ease that you can get '0%' cc transfers.

I don't have a Credit card, out of choice.
I was refused car hire (from a big multinational) once because of it, despite my offering a £1000 deposit and being fully insured etc. Even when I phoned the MD's office and spoke to a secretary there, she said, "It shows what type of person you are".
I said "No it doesn't, I might be up to my limit, and be overdrawn, and NOT want a card, as is the case"

A week later I was refused my stay at a big (Multinational) hotel, because I didn't have a card they could swipe!

I have a (visa debit) card now, but use big companies as rarely as possible.
The rating proves nothing, but computers and idiots not able to make any decisions can't adapt to their non-use.

tt