As far as reviews go, I think the most important factor to look at is the source of the review. I know for the first 1-2 years that SSR was open, the reviews appeared to be mostly poor. I think the biggest reason for that was that SSR owners--at least those who had actually stayed at their Home resort--were far outnumbered by non-SSR owners. And those non-SSR owners bought into
DVC because they were inspired to spend $15,000+ to invest in ANOTHER resort. We're talking about people who already had fondness and loyalty to other DVC resorts like OKW or BWV--in many cases those feelings stretch back more than 10 years.
In short, it's no surprise that someone who has spent dozens of nights at another property would have lukewarm feelings toward ANY other resort.
If you look at more recent trip reports and reviews, you'll find that SSR is attracting quite a fan base. Even many long-time owners who disliked SSR "on paper" have since experienced it first-hand and changed their outlook.
SSR will never have a better pool than BCV, the location of BWV or the low points of OKW, but I would never label it a so-so resort.
Personally I think SSR has the most attractive in-room furnishings of all DVC resorts. It has the best spa / health club by a long shot. It is the only DVC resort with a golf course clubhouse on property. You can walk to Downtown Disney in as little a 5 minutes from some rooms. And even when you factor in other aspects that are not unique to SSR (pool facilities, dining, Community Hall, etc.), SSR's amenities stand up well in direct comparison to other resorts.
Many people will tell you "buy where you want to stay." Personally, I think a better mantra is "don't buy where you don't want to stay." Picking a single favorite is a near impossibility for many. Still, I think it would be a mistake to select a Home resort at which you have no intention of staying. Your Home resort is your fallback position--it's the place you can book 11 months out and be guaranteed a room while you arrange vacation time, flights, and so on. And there's nothing wrong with trying to switch resorts later in the game.
As for AKV, I guess that depends on how excited you are over that particular resort. Personally, I think the points will cost at least $10 more than the current SSR price and with the savannah operating costs, the dues will certainly be higher. I also think that AKV will be fairly easy for non-owners to book at 7 months. AKV will be larger than the BoardWalk Villas, and BW is pretty easy to book during the vast majority of the year.
Tough call, but I think it goes without saying that this is a situation where waiting will definitely not yield you a lower price--it's a question of whether you feel the product is worth paying a higher price.
