Setting up a basic test transaction for p2p donation web app - API recommendation
In case anyone else faces this decision I decided to go with the Blockchain.info API (https://blockchain.info/).

Primary factors:


Easy to use ruby gem and interface - I was able to create wallets and transactions through invoking a few simple methods within my Sinatra app
Blockchain.info provide and utilise a stable wallet, recipient address which is easier and more intuitive to work with when starting out (e.g. easy to track senders and recipients against IDs)


Drawbacks:


I couldn't find a way to link in the Testnet blockchain so had to experiment with real Bitcoins
I was totally reliant on the Blockchain.info wallet and transaction structure. This was fine for a prototype/ experiment but for an actual MVP you would want to be able to integrate a wide range of wallet providers.