Yes, a member is a member, no matter if they purchase resale or direct.
However, resale can be a "waiting game" for all the paperwork to clear and DVC to get you into the system...just the nature of the beast. If you aren't in a hurry and need a reservation very soon, then resale should be fine.
My wife told me that the very first members of DVC received free lifetime passes to WDW. But now you have to buy your passes.. but at least we get 'em at a discount
What we got was free passes for, I think, 10 years.
What I do know is- I took them for granted and miss them now that they're gone (much like my kids )
there may have been APs offered recently to new buyers at the disneyland sales office, but i don't know if that deal is still available. usually buying DVC won't include free APs...just a discount on them.