I don't fly from Netherthorpe, but have been familiar with it over quite a long time.
All the above appears to be sound advice.
Their have been "differences" between the two clubs, mostly resolved now, but I believe some issues still remain about Phoenix members using the SAC bar/cafe. Visitors are quite welcome at the bar.
For practical training purposes, the C152 and the aerobat are pretty similar, the Pup has nicer sporty handling, but is more expensive to maintain, and the C172 would only usually be used for training if you were too big for a C150/152.
Whichever you choose, learning at Netherthorpe will instill a discipline for accurate approaches and speed control that will serve you well elsewhere.
It may have short runways, but accidents are mostly resulting from visiting aircraft rather than the locals, hence the very strict PPR requirements.