I have a EU model of the American blade. Hulls are the same and I think also ruddershape and daggerboards are.

I have sailed the boat for 2 years now on the Northsea (rough conditions) and haven't had any problems with the Blade.
What concerns options, I would recommed to take the spinnaker, it is soooooo much fun. As far as I know, the only real options you still have are: 1up or 2up configuration (with or without jib) and carbon used in the hulls or not. I have the version without carbon and don't have any issues with it.

My father (65) takes the Blade out and he's also very happy with it.

Gill