With regard to staying at BLT or not, DH and I are dying to stay there, it's our home resort as well. However, we were offered developer points when we joined due to BLT not being ready right away and they expire on 10/03, so we have to use them for this year's trip at SSR. We're pretty excited as this too will be our first DVC vacation (well actually our 1st stay at a DVC resort!), but it would be nice to be "at home" sooner rather than later. But, if going by our thinking, BLT will still be new and shiny next year! LOL
And with regard to the adjoining Studios, I believe they only connect to a 1-bedroom to create a 2-bedroom villas? At least I think that's what we were shown during our DVC tour in November.
Regardless, have fun wherever you stay.
