What are everyone's thoughts on dairy such as cottage cheese and cheese etc?

Depends on your goals. Are you talking about dieting for a show or just healthy eating in general? I use fat free american cheese on things and it don't seem to bother me any, but I'm gonna be starting a show diet and that will have to go.

I think this may be subjective, but what worked for me was eliminating dairy during contest prep. I noticed a difference in my midsection once I cut out cottage cheese and skim milk. But for a general healthy diet, I say keep it. I incorporate it back in once my comp. is over.

As a general rule, if you want to look leaner, and who doesn't, dairy just plain doesn't cut it (with the exception of hard cheeses). The lactose within most dairy does not digest correctly in the healthy human adult. As a result, the body goes into a minor "inflammatory" stage which actually looks like a bit of bloating or "water under the skin". Not a good look.

As far as hard cheeses, there is NO lactose in them, but are very abundant in fats and fat calories. They can be used sparingly AND with a close eye because fat intake from cheese can get LARGE very quickly with only small portions. Example: 1 oz Provalone has 9 grams of fat, 6 grams protein... THAT IS ONLY ONE OZ.!!

Chunky,
What about cottage cheese with regards to lactose content (high or low)?

Hard Cheese does not include Cottage cheese. Cottage cheese is has about 5-7 grams of lactose per serving. That adds up quickly. To much lactose in my opinion. It is fine if you are lactose tolerant and you are "offseason". But your goal is to be "leaner". Ditch the Cottage cheese for now. Cheers.