Piper Warrior Pilot
I too was in a similar situation as you a few months back and conducted a search on PPrune. Indeed, exactly as you have said, the majority of the feedback was almost biasly on the side of Naples Air Centre. Suspicious? A little - but then I was ready to accept that maybe, just maybe, NAC was indeed an outstanding FTO.
I was considering 3 training schools in Florida; NAC, OFT, and Great Ormond Beach. I decided to take matters into my own hands and make a decision based on the merits of each.
I looked at the aircraft each offered (how new, what equipment, what type etc), the schools' training facilities, transfers, accomodation, airspace and lastly price. On top of this I spoke with each FTO in person.
I ranked them as follows:
1. NAC
2. OFT
3. Great Ormond Beach
In the end I chose NAC because they went that extra mile that the others did not. Many of the factors I looked at above where very similar between the schools so it was difficult to decide purely on them. I was impressed with the way NAC rang me at home every so often to see how my plans were coming along, they sent me an impressive CDROM of their establishment and facilites so I knew what to expect, and they gave me sound advice (the other FTO's told me I wouldn't need a Visa and could come as a tourist - wrong advice).
I haven't gone there yet - will be over there in about 1 months time, so I can't give you first hand experiance. From what I can see though, FTOs are big business in Florida and it's taken very seriously.Ultimately I believe you will be happy at any of the above three organisations.
Good luck
The Cat