Don't know about the other ops you list but since I just dove with Deep Blue in June, I can offer some info about them. The only question I can't answer is about their equipment since I have my own stuff.
"Personalized friendly service since we'll be spending a lot of our vaction time with these folks" AND "Flexibility on where to go"
VERY personalized and friendly--I chatted with Matt's wife Deborah a LOT before my trip and she was always very thorough, informative and patient in answering all my questions. I requested a 2-tank afternoon dive for my arrival day and she reserved a spot for me--no problem. When I showed up at the shop the day I arrived, they actually knew who I was and were expecting me--they had every thing ready for me to fill out. Everyone in the shop was very friendly and willing to answer my questions. I really liked that they asked me what dive sites I wanted to see and wrote my requests down--Matt, the owner, schedules divers on boats according to diving ability and dive sites. Everything was really laid back--we just went in or called the shop to let him know when we wanted to dive the next day--he makes the schedules out after the shop closes each night. Then we went in the last night to settle up the bill. I reserved ahead of time but it was no problem to add on or cancel a dive as long as I let him know. Probably the most hassle-free experience I've ever had with a dive op.
"Attention to new divers during the dive + showing us good stuff"
Deep Blue's divemasters were in a word--FANTASTIC! I dove 3 days and had 3 different DM's--Sandro, Pepe and Gabriel--and loved all 3. All 3 had eagle eyes and spotted the most microscopic things you can imagine. I saw a baby nudibranch that was less than an inch long, 2 teeny little Christmas tree worms, a little baby flounder, tiny little pipehorses, LOTS of seahorses including a free-swimming one, and other stuff I can't remember--basically all the stuff that most people never see and I wouldn't have been able to spot it without the DM's. Although I did find a thistleworm all by myself so I was pretty proud.
As far as attention to new divers, there were 2 new divers on my boat doing their first ocean dives and one diver who hadn't dove in a while. The DM each day talked to each of us on the ride out to the sites and got an idea of our experience levels and concerns. They offered suggestions on buoyancy, equalization, equipment, etc and helped with gear without someone even having to ask. Once in the water, each DM kept a careful eye on all divers and watched each one to gauge ability--once they saw I was okay and content taking pictures, they all let me do my own thing and would help those who needed or wanted it. The currents were swift so the DM's had lines divers could hang onto or would even hold someone's hand during the dive if someone was having trouble or just needed reassurance.
I could go on and on but this should give you an idea about Deep Blue at least. Hopefully others will have info on all the other dive ops you're considering--good luck making your decision and have a great time on your trip!
