saturness

The last contact I had with UCSB they said they were putting financial packages together, which was why it was taking so long. When I talked with my POI a few weeks ago I'd received an official admittance, but no contracts or financial info, and they said it would be weeks before they had things together. I would contact the person you applied to work with and ask for a firm answer. At this point, as far as I know, they have their top choices from the people invited to the visit, and they're trying to get their ducks in a row. The person you applied to work with should have their list and know for sure whether or not you're on it, or at least be able to give you some more information besides "we'll tell you later". The impression I got over all is that it's a great program with some administrative/financial issues going on, which is unfortunately leaving a lot of people hanging. 

I tried calling them today to get an update on my application before I commit elsewhere, and they hung up on me. Thinking it was a mistake, I called again.... and they hung up on me, again.

Unless there's something going on that I don't know about, all potential admits were invited to the campus visit. I went and received a decision yesterday. At this point I'd definitely email for info. Personally I find it a bit silly that programs as a whole that know for certain that they're not accepting students don't just inform them as soon as applicants are sorted into different piles, but I'm sure there's a good reason, right? A really really good reason to leave applicants hanging, just a totally amazing reason

I went to an incredibly un-prestigious MA program, but I had an unbelievable support system in my advisor and other faculty and administrators, and plenty of funding opportunities. The end result was I had more time and energy to focus my thesis, which is the main reason that I got into my top choice phd program. I don't know what would have happened if I'd gone to a more prestigious school, but there are bright spots in smaller, less well known programs. Ultimately a "better" program is impossible to judge until you've actually experienced it. It could be that your lesser known choice has a prof who is dedicated to mentoring you and going above and beyond, but the more prestigious program doesn't.
In my opinion, every program is what you make of it, and while a name can open some doors, it's not the end all be all of deciding factors. If funding will make your life considerably easier then that has to be one of your considerations, but don't count out going and talking to POIs in person and emailing current students. Gut feeling makes a difference too.
Congrats on your acceptances!