Dr. Don,
Don't make the mistake of thinking you need to end up at the "Top 3" to be successful. I am sure that's not what you intended - you just probably wanted to know which programs are held in high regard by the peds community.
I personally am not a "Top 3" personality, although it took me a while to figure this out. I got a personal snub at one of the top 3, intimidation at another, and didn't even apply to the third. I cannot imagine working in that environment for the next 3 years.
On the other hand, exceptionally bright and talented people fill the rosters at the top 3. I am sure that they will be the leaders in our field in the future. I had one friend who attended one of the top 3 - he loved it and plans on a critical care fellowship. Another friend at the same place also loved it and excelled, she is planning on a endocrine fellowship, I think - but she is the kind of person who is very competitive with herself and others and never quite seems satisfied with what she's got. A third friend hated one of the top 3 programs, never quite felt comfortable with her peers, and plans on doing rural/community medicine when she's done. As you can see, there's a mix of people, and there are bound to be people who are happy/unhappy at any institution you visit. I'm sure the top 3 get tired of being stereotyped as cold, competitive, and lonely.
I am so happy I matched at the place I did - a highly-ranked university setting with the friendliest housestaff and office staff I have met anywhere and all the resources and options I would ever utilize at my fingertips, all wrapped up in a nice-size, affordable city. I couldn't be happier, and I am 100% certain that I will have an equal shot at any opportunities as anyone else - it's just up to me to make them happen.
Sorry for blabbering on, but in summary . . . prestige and name are really nice things, but sometimes there are things that are more important, like . . . people.