I look for friendliness, too, but have to remember that as a newcomer, I need to introduce myself and ask questions about the other person. There are probably cliques, but generally, if one goes up and asks someone a question about quilting or complements a project they've brought for Show and Tell, it opens communication.
My guild has bus trips, retreats, national speakers, a quilt show every other year and two meetings a month. There's a weekly sewing group that everyone can attend, but I am too busy to schedule it in...that's how to get to know others. One on one or in a small group. I do take almost every class offered, because there are always little nuggets of information. I hope you visit as many guilds as you can. Then decide.