yanbu, everyone has different criteria for what comprises the best childcare choices for them. I've personally gone through most options except for a nanny, as I went back to work when ds1 was 3 months old, but am currently a sahm. Initially, the nursery ds1 went to was wonderful and I still think it was really good for him. I took ds1 out of a later nursery because they didn't deal very well with some persistent bullying, and because the caring staff seemed to be replaced by girls who were just 'ticking the boxes'. When I was working part time, we had a wonderful childminder who really fitted in with my variable hours. I've also used some good and not-so-good creches, and similarly for babysitters.
It's hard enough trying to muddle through as a parent these days without judgement from all sides. I think people who try to force their own parenting decisions on you are very inconsiderate. What works for them, works for them. What works for you, works for you.
You could try making some diplomatic noises about how people in different situations come up with different solutions. Then if they carry on you could be evil and tell them some horror stories about awful childminders. I'm sure there are some on mumsnet if you trawl the archives. I know my sister could tell you some - like my neice being left with a 13 year old because the childminder had to go off and do something before my sister arrived to collect the baby .
before anyone flames me, I know there are some wonderful childminders on mumsnet and on real life, but that doesn't mean it's the best arrangement for everyone.