My boyfriend is an "ex-DCI guy" from England. He used to march in the baritone section with the Pride of Bristol out of Bristol, England. They weren't top-flight like SCV or anything, I can't remember which class they marched in. Though, they competed a lot in DCUK and the European championships.
The Pride of Bristol disappeared after he aged-out, but apparently the Colour Guard section kept going. However, he and some of the other veterans have returned to help out as floor crew on some of their road trips. Apparently, they've recently roped some of the veterans back into playing for a senior D&BC! They're aiming for the European Showband Championships later this month.
http://www.prideofbristol.co.uk/
As for DCI, I've pretty much liked them all!
Well, ok, I'm not a super-expert, but I always seem to like the Blue Devils and Santa Clara Vanguard. Neil and I also have a soft spot for the Phantom Regiment.
Stan, are there any SoCal corps? The only one I ever heard of was The Velvet Knights....and I don't think they're around anymore.
.....Kelly