Hi zombunny,
well not everyone is biased. I'm sceptical towards all of the relabelled fans. Don't get me wrong, many of them are quiet when you get them, but usually the specs have either lower dB(A) or higher CFM (or both) than the manufacturer spec.
I think people recommend the Nexus because it is so hyped here and to many people it's their first experience with a really quiet fan. So without even properly comparing it to other good and quiet fans they jump on the wagon and start praising Nexus. OK, it is usually a quiet fan and good for many SPCR users, but it is _overpriced_! I've always said I will buy 2-4 120mm Yate Loons for the price of a 120mm Nexus.
The Acoustifan might be OK, but the price is freaking ridiculous!
I personally like Papst, Yate Loon and Globe in the 120mm range (well yes Nexus also in that list). 120mm Panaflo is also nice, but I somehow shy away from it because of the thickness (38mm vs the "normal" 25mm).
Check out
Silencio's shop for different fans (good prices, SPCR discount and cheap shipping to UK). Also do check the fan reviews by the SPCR user frankgehry. He's compared quite a few 120mm fans against each other (Papst, Yate Loon, Coolermaster, Globe), maybe that will help your decision.