i am training at netherthorpe currently, not sure which instructor you are refering to as far as the bad attitude. The instructor i am training with is excellent, he also runs ground school sessions which i have attended and cant fault the training! SAC is more expensive than phoenix, i cant comment on what phoenix offer as i havent spoken to them over there. I do beleive the phoenix a/c are better kept as they belong to them and are maintained in house which is why the hourly rates are lower than SAC. I suggest you come down and have a chat to both and make your decision. The staff that work at SAC are a friendly bunch and always open to questions or a general chit chat. On a few occasions i have been waiting in reception for my instructor to land and they have offered to make me a coffee while i wait!!
hope this help's