I skied my whole life (until age 37) behind I/O. The sport was fading from our lives until we had our first chance to ski behind a direct drive (and slalom course). It’s quite a different experience.
I/O as better on rough lakes. Water can easily come over the bow on a direct drive.
Hole shots are much worse on most I/O’s as they rarely are powered and propped like a DD
The wakes are a bit worse, but also a bit different. Often harder and wider, but that depends on speed and rope length.
DD track very well. If you are strong and heavy, you can easily fish-tale an I/O. That’s more of a factor in the course and less for open water.
I believe I/O’s use less gas.
DD are simpler boats and more reliable…most of the time.
If you have young kids, it’s nice to not have the prop so close to the platform. +1 for DD.
If it’s your first family boat, get something used. Then you will have spent less figuring out what you really like to do with it and can spend more on your inevitable second family boat!
What is your budget? If you are Canadian, you could look at the new J-crafts being produced. I don’t know what they cost, but they have tiny wakes and are bigger than the OG J-crafts. @summerski