I have even gotten judgements against them and garnished their wages..

Get your judgement and get it filed with the Credit Bureau; assign the collections to a flat fee firm or one that will take a split on what's collected. 

Wondering why we would need a judgement against them if we dont go to a court for this.

The biggest thing is no evictions or judgements or criminal record and verifiable income of 3x rent.If they have all that, then the low credit in of itself isn’t a big deal, at least to me.

or do they think it will attract more money than the judgement .

As the judge mentioned, payment will probably be offered and acceptance then required and it will start all over again.

I think it would be easier, though, to just get a judgement against them and garnish their wages.

As this involves a substantial amount of money I would personally go to the magistrate and file to seek judgement for rent arrears.

By the way, if/when it comes down to that, schedule a damages hearing for a day or two after the eviction date. this means that should they do any damage to the property, you will get a judgement against them for the amount of repairs. hard part of that though is actually collecting (They can't pay the rent for a reason).Hope this helps.

You may be able to make a deal with the tenant that if they leave soon you won't seek a judgement order against them upon eviction.