I was sold because it was one of the top programs, I will receive in-state tuition, and of all the programs I applied to, it seemed the most welcoming toward/equipped to properly prepare non-background students. Plus, it will only add one semester to my program, rather than two.
All of this was really just confirmed by my visit to campus. My advisor was nice, informative, and excited that I would even consider a thesis. The facilities are new and top-rate. They also said that if, once you began your program, you decided you were more interested in research, it would be relatively easy to get you on the PhD track. Of course there's no way to really know until classes begin, but so far I'm very happy with my decision.
I made a FB page, by the way, and hope people join as soon as they decide! https://www.facebook.com/groups/812015308898467/