Totally agree. Patong has many problem but Americans aren't one of them (apart from the last time I was there and a US Carrier Group had been there the previous week for shore leave - the island was still picking up the pieces). It's mostly Australians, northern Europeans and increasingly Russians who cause the trouble.

Having said that once you realise that Phuket is a large island and Patong is only a small part of it then there are plenty of other places to stop and it's a great base for exploring the region. Phuket's downside is that is is relatively expensive compared to other parts of SE Asia.

I'd echo the recommendation of Penang and Langkawi as they are so close to each other yet so totally different. Fly into one, stop a few nights, take the ferry to the other, stop another few nights then head onwards. Georgetown, Penang is one of the most interesting cities in SE Asia (beaches are rubbish though) and Langkawi is one of the most peaceful, relaxing places I've ever been to.