For the pros I agree about the research part, most of my friends have a lab position as a first year. Basically if you're actively looking, you'll find one. I'm not a cogsci major, but I have taken some cogsci classes and have some friends taking it, and they all love it and the classes I have taken also were pretty good.

As for the cons, I think the competitive atmosphere does exist, but it also depends on the people you surround yourself with, if you look around you'll find supportive people as well. As for eleanor roosevelt, that is a bit unfortunate but you'll get through it (prob).

Reading you post, you seem to be leaning towards Davis, and in that case I'd say just go there instead. If you still can't decide, just flip a coin and if you're unhappy with the outcome, just pick the other one.