Oh don't worry, this debate will continue forever. You will hear the sales pitch over and over. Keep your eye on the ball. Most college coaches will tell you that what's most important is environment , consistency, and grades. Of course quality of competition matters. The reality is that a few on this forum (or on any forum) will have players that will play on any YNT or go to a top rated P5 school. Those schools get pick of the litter. They get first dibs and roster space is limited (even though they are large rosters).
Everyone wants to kill the GA, I get it. They will be challenged to say the least. They have set the right temperament and priorities. The current track record clearly shows ECNL fills the rosters of top collegiate teams at a higher rate than anyone else, even when the GDA was around. And they should, ECNL's footprint is large. It's good to have choices. If your player can start for (Surf), be an impact player and be a leader, then go there. Not everyone on a Surf roster will play at Stanford, most won't. But if you are that good, Surf is a good place to be (just as an example). The recruiting process can be stressful, especially if parents and players don't level set expectations.
Find a coach that has shown success in placing players and has the temperament that you desire, stick with them as long as possible. Enjoy the ride.