Vero is the cheapest direct but you pay way more in maintenance fees. SSR as of right now the cheapest to buy direct with maintenance fees. Things can change. We own both at SSR and OKW.
VB is $120 direct, but annual dues are currently $10.13/point and it expires in 2042.
SSR is $165 direct, but annual dues are currently $6.77/point and it expires in 2057.
At 100 points, it's a difference of $4500 upfront, but $336 cheaper in dues. Not trying to factor in rising dues cost, you'll break even around year 13 or so, but will 15 more years on the SSR contract.
I admit that, if I can afford it, I weigh a little more towards lower annual dues than lower upfront cost (within reason). The reason for that is I know my financial situation NOW, but it's impossible to predict the future, so I want as low annual dues as I can.
Now, I don't weight entirely on lowest annual dues -- I'd have bough PVB and SSR as my contracts if that were the case. But I own BRV & AKL (and hopefully soon 100 points each at SSR and CCV if my contracts go through ROFR), and dues in the under $8 range is acceptable to me. We did not buy into Aulani partly because the dues were in the $8+ range, and I *almost* grabbed a 100 point VB at $58/point resale but that $10.13 in dues AND it being a resort likely to see continued large increases due to it being both an older resort and one more likely to experience damage by hurricanes going forward made me decide the upfront savings wasn't worth the potential long term financial commitment.
That said, to each his own! If the dues are within your means, go for it. It's a great way to get the blue card at low cost, and if you haven't been VB is such a delight of a resort. While I've only done it twice so far, I find ending a long trip to Disney with a long weekend at Vero Beach is the perfect way to relax and unwind before returning home.