I did my training 2.5 years ago at UKFT and thoroughly enjoyed the experience and met some good friends there.
A lot of people have a problem with the owner/examiner. I think most of this stems from the inherent conflict of interest of the person who is most likely to gain from you failing also being the person who can fail you.
From all the people that I spoke to that failed, the reasons didn't seem particularly harsh although a favourite at the time seemed to be too high (approx 200 ft) on final approach for the PFL. All the checkouts I have had since seemed a lot more pragmatic on the subject i.e. "you wouldn't have killed yourself there so that's okay".
I wouldn't advise against UKFT but would say that if you have any doubts early on about your assigned instructor is change to a new one before you waste too much money and you will enjoy it.
Southern CA is a great place to fly.
I'll be trying Florida for my CPL this year so I'll post how good EFT/IFTA is.