Since the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA) went into effect, Chapter 7 has not been an option for many consumers. The reason for the reform was to end the abuse and fraud, which had been practised by huge number of borrowers for a very long time, and notwithstanding complains and denials of consumer advocacy groups and the likes had been a fraud, which ended costing to credit card issuers, banks and eventually to all of the consumers billions. Chapter 7 was a free way out, with all you debts discharged. Sure your credit became ruined for the next two or three years, but after borrowing tens of thousands and often even more and not having to pay them back, was a quite negligible price to pay. Many married couples would have all the credit lines open on one spouse, so even after going through the bankruptcy, the better half would still have clean credit with no debt.

The Means test makes Chapter 7 bankruptcy very difficult for many and impossible for others. Here is the nice chart explaining Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13. Under Chapter 13, borrower will have to repay at least part of the debt.

Wikipedia general overview and BAPCPA explanation are quite extensive.

The lawyers.com page on Chapter 7 basics gives a breakdown of the dischargeable, possibly dischargeable and non-dischargeable debts.

Credit.com overview of bankruptcy reform and its impact on consumer credit reports and credit scoring.

Good collection of articles from credit info center on many related aspects of Chapter 7 and 13 Bankruptcies.

NOLO legal center explains Chapter 7 changes including restricted eligibility, counseling requirements, and more responsibility for bankruptcy attorneys.

US Courts offers quite comprehensive information here on alternatives to bankruptcy, Chapter 7 eligibility and discharges.