This is going to sound like a marketing plug, but never mind - have you checked the quilting/crafts section of a decent-sized WH Smith in your area? Mine (Chester) has quite a few imported patchwork/quilting magazines - mainly American, including Fons & Porter, McCalls (which I like), etc. It may well work out to be cheaper to get a direct subscription from the States in the long run, but at least you would be able to get a flavour of some magazines rather than relying on other people's opinions, since it is rather subjective.
It's surprising what you can find - even in independents - if you dig hard enough!
Another thing I've just thought of and so not actually tried out: have you tried looking at the websites for any of these mags? That might help also.