The JAA exams are easy if a little bulky. They are generally made out to be impossible by either those who have done them and wish to be seen as sky gods or by those looking for a curve in a 100 mile straight road and always looking for the 'easy route'.
CATS are a flexible organisation with a good standard of material although prepare for a little frustration as the management can be a little air brained at times but overall the experience will be a good one.
They are certainly better geared for the private IR where the other big names are only intent on the sausage machine of ATPL candidates.