Agent/Agency ratings

Only one I've heard of is my agent, Michelle Brower. Her reputation with me couldn't be higher.

I don't write the same kinds of books as you, but there are several on your list that I have had experience with or are considering my work, and so far I think they are great.
Katherine Boyle, Bob Mecoy, Jonathan Lyons, Michelle Brower and Colleen Lindsay were all quick responders in my experience. Bob has to be my favorite out of this bunch because he is very personable and seems like a great guy. However, I think these are all good agents.

The Creative Culture, The Gersh Agency and Gail Ross Literary Agency are slower to respond to queries, if at all. That is not to say anything bad about them. I think they are all good places. Also, I went after different agents than you here.

I believe the Frances Goldin Literary Agency had something in its guidelines that kept me away, but I believe it is a good agency. The other two you mentioned I don't have any info on, but I hope this helps. Feel free to PM me if you want to know more.

I would suggest doing a search in Deals in Publishers Marketplace to get a better sense of their clients and how many deal they've made.
You can't really do more than that until they offer you representation- At the time they offer- you can ask to speak to a couple of their clients- When someone is considering Dorian she gives them my email/phone number (she asks me ahead of time) and the authors are able to call me and ask specific questions-
I think while querying you really want to make sure the agents make the number and type of deals that fit your project-

Why narrow it down? Do research to get a better feel for all of them, but query every one. You want to cast the widest net.

I agree with Danthia. Since you know they are all legit agencies, submit to all of them. Perhaps you want to rate them as best you can and send out 5 or 6 queries one week -- wait a 4-6 weeks for replies, and if no an offer of representation, hopefully some good feedback that may lead you to change your query -- and then send out queries to all the others.