I eventually went with SMG and flew from London. The people in the clinic were fantastic and the experience was all that I imagined it would be. Thank you guys. The Hotel staff could not have been more helpful. Generally, what Minnesota lacks in architecture, it more than makes up for in hospitality (they call this 'Minnesota Nice').
The same cannot be said for the customs people who gave me a crap time both getting in (2 hour wait and interview). and coming out (practically strip searched in public without cap). This is despite my high tech biometric passport. I guess I should expect this shoddy treatment with my non-Anglo Saxon name (their excuse - honest!).
Although, this sort of treatment has effected my holiday destinations and general business dealings. It has had zero impact on my recommendation of SMG and would go back every time.