So firstly, I'll go on record and state we're an on property family too and prefer the disney transportation, even when you have to wait for a bus a really long long time lol. I just would rather not have to think about ubering or driving ourselves. I know, it's not a big deal but when we're at disney, we don't want to mess with real life. We've stayed off site and we will uber to the parks but it's not what we enjoy. We also like the perks of ETPE and EEH when you stay deluxe.
We've ubered and taken minnie vans while we've stayed on disney property but we usually try to avoid it. We like to stay deluxe but the prices as of the last few years have been insane so we do swan or dolphin and get all the deluxe benefits for moderate pricing. And yes DVC rentals have not been much of a deal unless you can score something last minute that someone is just trying to unload to hopefully not let their points go unused. I feel like they used to be a good value but not as much nowadays.
The suites at AofA would not be my first choice for a group of adults. They're great since you can get two bathrooms but I don't feel those accommodations and theming work well for adults. I've considered them for our family of 4 (with two teenaged girls) just to have the 2 bathrooms but I've yet to pull the trigger due to the cost and the value feel. Every where else we travel if not an airbnb with 2 bathrooms, we get a suite hotel so we can have extra space. It's much needed now that my kids know everything and can't stand to listen to us
We can usually get two rooms at swan/dolphin for just a little more than AofA which imo is a better bang for our buck given the deluxe benefits. The TTC issue at MK for the buses is really not that bad and having the ability to walk/boat to DHS and Epcot is awesome.
I don't know if you'd even consider it, but maybe three rooms at CBR. Not sure of the required sleeping surfaces amongst the group/if anyone can share a bed etc... but that might be a better value given it's a moderate resort, also has skyliner access and you'd have 3 bathrooms for 7 adults, two rooms with 2 guests and 1 room with 3. The pull down 5th sleeper will work for one of the adults if they're tiny, like under 5'2" and not super particular where they sleep. It's not very comfy but it can do in a pinch if needed. CBR 3 rooms.... may not be less than AofA but it's another option with potentially more benefits.
Also, I think Beach Club has a suite that sleeps 7 adults but I think it's club level and likely very pricey. And WL has a deluxe suite that sleeps 6 with only 1 bathroom. It's also club level and can be overpriced depending on time of year. I've looked at that option but it's always been over $600/nt when I've looked.
All this to say, at some point, for a larger group, it may not make sense to stay on property if it's insanely priced and the cons outweigh the pros. I wouldn't hold your breath for a disney discount but you're better off booking what you want now and should a deal come up, you can try to book that when available.
At the end of the day, you just have to decide if you want to spend more $$ for less space than if you stayed off property. With 7 adults, there's no doubt you'll spend more on lodging on disney property than if you booked a condo or off disney property accommodations.