Oh yes, I would say definitely have an opinion before finding a breeder. I believe its okay to have an opinion on it, I have one- I think border collies should be bred with the intent to work or do sports(I just don't get as heated about conformation breeders tho), but all I'm saying is don't feel you have to be involved in the great BC political debate throughout your life with your dog. That's all I'm saying. I was scared before I got a BC that it was going to be so tiresome to keep up with all of the politics within the breed- but I've just more or less ignored it and it's been fine for me.
Border collie owners are very intense people- haha which reflects in the breed of choice. I think all of us are a bit nutty- having to buy the perfect food, starting clicker training on the car ride home from the breeder, researching which sport we want to pursue before the puppy is even born. It's one of the only breeds where people will actually change their lifestyle for their dog I find- many people have actually gone out and bought land and sheep for their dogs. It's part of what I do love about the community. We are all over the top, even the more mild like me!