I would recommend trying to find a USED BCD if you decide to go that route. They are easy to find (here, Ebay, Craigslist) and they lose a lot of value after they are used. I got a really good deal on a nice back-inflate BCD (Oceanic Hera, it's for ladies) off Scubaboard that was new without tags. I dove with it a few times, then upgraded (IMO) to a BP&W. But, I was able to re-sell it and recoup my investment. I would have been really irritated with myself if I'd spent >$500 on it and then after a few dives decided to get the BP&W anyway.
I was really hung up on having pockets and integrated weights. I found in practice that the integrated weights, when stuffed full of the amount of weight I needed at the time, impinged on the pockets. Since they are next to the pockets, when full, there is a lot less room in the pocket. My 6' SMB didn't fit at all, and if I wanted to put something else in there it was hard to get it in and out. You can't really see the pockets when you are diving, so you have to go by feel. And it can be hard to zip them back up if you are trying to replace something. You need both hands (at least I did - one to hold the back / beginning of the zipper and the other to close the zipper).
I like that my stainless steel backplate lets me dive with 6 lbs less weight. On my BP&W I chose to put little velcro pockets on the waistband, and that's where I keep my weights now. Still "integrated" I suppose. I didn't like wearing a weight belt either. Another thing I was worried about was comfort. I didn't think the BP&W harness (especially the crotch strap, eew) would be comfortable. Actually it's fine, even hiking down to the shore it's no problem. I think BP&W setups would sell easier if they were available for rental. It was somewhat of a leap to buy without trying, especially because at the time I didn't know anyone who dove with one.
So I get wanting a jacket style BCD. It's what I started with, too! But save some bucks and buy one that has a few dives on it off someone who gave up diving or moved to a BP&W.
Sorry I can't give you a recommendation on a specific one. I liked the ladies' one that I had.
And if you do go to a BP&W and want any advice on setting it up, PM me. I muddled through somehow and I can help you.