I've had a good experience with Republic, and would recommend it. I do have a friend who is at Republic now after leaving Eagle, and she isn't significantly more or less happy (moved over for quicker upgrade).

However, as a former commuter, living in base improved my quality of life 200%. For that reason alone, Eagle would have a leg up in your situation. Here's a suggestion which may or may not work, but it is worth a shot if you'd rather come to Republic. Level with Linda, and tell her you have class date offer from Eagle, but really want to come to Republic. The problem is you want to live in base, and is there anyway you can hold out for a Shuttle class so that you can eventually bid ORD. She may or may not go for it, but you really don't have much to lose.