Another vote for the BP/W setup. I did my O/W in a jacket and then used a back-inflate 3 weeks later for my AOW. That was much better for me and I used that type for a couple years. I moved to the actual Backplate/Wing setup about 7 years ago and I’m on my second BP/W setup (Dive Rite) now.
Of course, all that being said, you need to wear what you are comfortable wearing. If everyone says to get a BP/W but you don’t personally feel comfortable in them, use what you are comfortable with.
I don’t have extra pockets over and above the weight pockets. Everything I need is either clipped and attached to me without the use of pockets.