What i do is checking the ico at some ico tracking website like icobench, icotrack, coingecko etc. In that way i could check which ico has a better ranking and less risk. But make sure you must invest what are you willing to loose. That's the rule in this industry.
This is not a factor in the success of the ICO. If you focus on ratings then this is a direct way to lose your investment. Trust only yourself. Do not trust organizations that tell you that this project has a high rating - very often this is not true.
I think both of you are correct. Those organizations reviews ICO but always do your own diligence and dont just rely on others opinion. Always do your own so that you will not point others if you've been scammed.