It can be difficult for people new to web hosting. I usually recommend that people try to assess their needs first, and then search for a web host on that basis. Narrow the search down to a few hosts, and then start a dialog with them to see how responsive they are. If they won't respond quickly to an email when you are trying to buy something from them, do you really expect them to respond quickly when you are "nagging them" for support?
Personal recommendations are great if they come from people with similar needs. A blogger who is very happy with his host might not be the best person to make a recommendation to someone wanting to be the next Amazon.com. But where personal recommendations shine is in evaluating how responsive the host will be when a support ticket is entered, etc.
BTW - many of the "Top Ten Webhosts" sites are affiliate sites, generating commissions from their recommendations. Take most of those "Top Ten Hosts" and Google their name and you get a very different picture.