Experiences vary, but I had a positive experience with Skandia through HSBC. Sadly, the guy whom I first dealt with has left, and I think this becomes the problem. Any talent moves on to greener pastures quickly.
He was semi-aggressive but smart and we made some very high returns from China, India and Eastern Europe over the last few years. We got lucky and naturally because of our returns my association is positive with this company.
I have to agree on the salesmanship out there. It's really like selling any other product and the salespeople have a lot to gain and pilots are PERFECT targets.