what firm did you end up at and are you happy? regrets? thanks for the advice on the transfer. Did you look at a wirehouse?

Raymond James and yes we are happy, very happy.  We did not look at other wirehouses (I did not want someone else to own my business) but we did look at a number of independents including Wachovia FiNet and LPL.  Ultimately we felt transitioning clients from Edward Jones to Raymond James would be easier.  Fees for custodial accounts were similar, statements were nearly identical, etc.   

what about auction rate securities mess?

I think most of that stuff happened before we joined.  I know it is an ongoing concern but other than that, I don't really know a lot about it.