Brad,
I'll have to strongly disagree with some of the other comments. While your instructor is more important than your agency, the agency does make a difference. The statement, "making most certification agencies entry level classes pretty much the same" is simply not true. In 1985, 5 agencies (NASDS, NAUI, PADI, SSI & YMCA) got together to set minimum standards for the industry which went into effect with their announcement at DEMA in Orlando in 1986. Their association was formalized in later years by forming RSTC with some agencies refusing to join, later joining, others joining and later dropping out. Additionally, agencies other than the original 5 are now members. SSI & NASDS merged in 1999 or 2000. The bottom line is there are minimum standards all agencies must meet. That is a long way from "making most certification agencies entry level classes pretty much the same." Each agency sets it's own standards, some meet the minimum standards, others exceed them a little, others exceed them a great deal.
IMHO, YMCA standards are the highest of any US based nation wide agency. If you had a good instructor who at least followed minimum YMCA standards, you were better trained than most other divers.
Is the YMCA SCUBA program perfect? No. Would I make changes in it's standards if I had the authority? Yes. Overall, I feel it's your best option unless you live in LA County. You lucked into an excellent program.
WWW