VP means nothing. Every sales person is a VP at these companies.
AG Edwards (not necessarily all brokers) was a good firm, whose business model seemed to be client-centric. I would not easily say the same about Smith Barney (but not necessarily true of all brokers there either).
At a big firm, you always have the most interest in your capital. They have the most interest in commission/profit on your capital.
Find the right person, do not rely on the name of the firm. Her character will go wherever she does, good, bad or indifferent.