>>Oh and last but not least when I started back in late 1996 I called/faxed/email every school I could find - 50 odd in the US - 49 responed, 30 odd in the UK - 2 responded.... customer service still matters to some people...>>
I've found this same thing to be true while contacting schools during the last year and a half. The UK schools have been notoriously poor at responding to my inquiries. I expect some sort of response no matter what it might be.
I did my JAA training at HAI as well and am currently finishing my FAA commercial rating at another school. I found that HAI is comparatively much more professional and dedicated to their students. I can't speak for the FAA side yet, but the JAA students have reserved aircraft and never have problems getting a ship. I'm told they're doing the same with the CFI students now as well, so I guess it's only those FAA PPL/commercial students that might have a little trouble.
While they can't guarantee a job upon completion, I'd rather go to a school that actually puts forth the effort for their students. I'll be going back to HAI to do my CFI because I know they can get it done and done well, rather than the place I'm at which is highly unprofessional but claims to be the regions leader in flight training.