without a shadow of a doubt PARC is the best. By far. And if you think the RAL and PARC contract are pretty much the same then you need to read it again. The detail of the insurances. Also the money. And they're much better to work for. Just ask the RAL boys about the pay cut they've just had, which has been backdated 6 months. Truly a new low in RALs attitude to it's people.
Screening has started in earnest again. They need 140 odd pilots. I believe DPI pilot contracts are cheaper as they pay less with no insurance so maybe VAC will prefer this agency...but if you apply only to PARC they will have to recruit through them eventually. If you accept the low ball salary of dpi you will be stuck with them.
By the way some of the people saying RAL are ok on this thread actually work for them so beware!
Good luck with screening. It's only 1 session now so don't F### it up!