I just think that while the whole ordeal remains a mystery as to who is responsible for the lost coins, and HOW they did it, it leaves the door open for any exchange to go down that same path.
Maybe gox was just run by the most incompetent ceo ever, that is possible. But I know I currently dont feel safe storing coins in any exchange, at least no amount of significance.
That's the right approach to take. I find it incredible that the biggest exchanges are still basically capable of disappearing with everything with no comebacks.
There are now a handful of exchanges that can guarantee funds. Itbit has a banking charter so dollars are insured. I'm not sure about coins. Coins at Coinbase are insured if they're hacked at their end. It's up to users to vote for safety with their money.
I agree that coinbase seems to be at the to of the list of legit btc exchanges/services. Yes they "track" how btc are used (probably to comply with anti money laundering laws) but I think also to make sure they are NOT a safe haven for criminals to direct their btc.
Other places (btc-e comes to mind?) may cater to the more "anonymous" btc users