In response to the point about 'a school' being better because airlines have chosen it to train their cadets, 'therefore it must be good'.
The airlines are on a budget and want to get the best value for money that they can, therefore if it comes down to 'battle of the quotes' on basic terms for the same end product the cheaper quote is usually taken. (as i said though obviously checking the quality of the training, cheap does not mean good, but conversely expensive does ot mean better
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You will probably find that once the airline/school training contract is entered into, some penalty will be paid by the school if they do not deliver the goods on time. The airline will have JOC courses etc booked in advance, if the student is not ready this alters their planning. Therefore, though it will be strongly denied by the school, it is likely a sponsored student will get priority over a self sponsored student who won't bill them per day over due (but I think they should be able to
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As for training in the states. Talking to instructors it seems that generally students coming back from the states either to convert a licence or with a JAA CPL wishing to add an IR, need extra training to compensate from the vast differences in standards, airspace, RT, procedures etc.
Ultimately I agree with Send Clowns that you must visit the schools you are short listing. The brochure can paint a rosy picture, but you must see it for yourself. Can you see yourself enjoying going into the building every day, is the atmosphere a 'happy' one? Are the staff helpful and friendly , evaluate the situation around you and in the back ground, that they are not just being friendly to you because they want your money ultimately!
It is a trap that schools are resting on their laurels from decades ago, this industry changes hour by hour (September 11th the prime example).
Good luck with your course, I hope you are happy where ever you choose.