How can one gauge the reliability, customer service, and transparency of bitcoin exchanges? There are several exchanges for Bitcoin with a few highly respected ones like Mt.Gox, Bitstamp, bter, bit-e etc. I understand the reason why they require verification of users by supplying their bank information along with government ID and address proof. However, most of these exchanges decide to keep themselves anonymous to an extent. They don't mention the founding/management team on their website. I'm sure it's possible to find out for some by googling. I don't feel comfortable that they want all the information from me without disclosing anything about themselves.

This also raises the question about what level of security practices and audit do they have in place. I have read several stories about hacking of exchanges, stolen databases/wallets, nightmare to withdraw money etc. 

Is there a source of information that compares these exchanges in terms of real world incidents, fee structure, and the backing team behind them? Basically looking for a reliability and customer service rating.

Edit : After Mt Gox's supposed failure, this question feels more relevant. I find myself fortunate that I avoided them. Especially since there were news about a large scale customer data loss.
How can one gauge the reliability, customer service, and transparency of bitcoin exchanges?


I totally agree that Bitcoin feels like the wild west, with people selling snake oil left and right.  It is early days, and that's how it works. If you want to be a pioneer, you will get arrows in your back. Right now, it's gambling, even more risky than gambling on the Stock Market.

If you're not comfortable with that, then wait. Down the road, there will be an influx of reputable exchanges. Right now, a "good" exchange won't make any more money than a fly-by-night exchange. But over time, the average reputation will increase.

The Internet worked the same way. Every Newspaper had an article on "Is the Internet a fad?" and warned "never use your credit card on the Internet". (Of course, kids these days don't even know what a newspaper is.)


  How can one gauge the reliability, customer service, and transparency of Banks or Retailers?


Think of how many reputable retailers had their credit card database stolen in the last 6 months. Think of how many banks went out of business without warning in 2008.

People are reporting on bitcoin exchanges that loose a few million, but nobody reports when a grocery store goes under and looses a few million.