David Gray Widdera bunch of my friends are choosing between PhD programs. here's my advice to them:
it is FAR more important to work with someone who is kind, than someone who does exactly the research you want to do or is at a prestigious institution.
@dickretiredI would add that you should also look for a PI who, after a year or so of common research, allow you some leeway in pursuing your own ideas. They should be trying to foster your career.