Countrywide stepped up. And stepped in it.

Countrywide Financial Corp (CFC.N) said on Wednesday it helped more than 81,000 borrowers stay in their residences and avert possible foreclosures in 2007, by either modifying or otherwise restructuring their home loans.

The largest U.S. mortgage lender, which agreed last week to be acquired by Bank of America Corp (BAC.N), said it modified home loans for 55,801 borrowers, set up long-term repayment plans for 12,100 borrowers, and provided assistance to 13,355 other borrowers.

Countrywide said more than two-thirds of the workout efforts took place in the second half of the year, as U.S. housing troubles grew worse.

They make a big deal about announcing that they helped 81,000 borrowers stay in their residences. Wow. Big whoop. They are the nation’s largest mortgage lender, so I doubt 81,000 is a significant number at all.

What makes those 81,000 people any more special than the others who asked for help but were turned away. What makes those 81,000 people any more qualified to keep their homes than the person who sent you a letter that you returned to sender without opening? What makes Countrywide so special for helping a fraction of the people they service loans for?

Nothing.

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