I have 45 jumps, I bought my suit with booties for my 27th jump, yes there is a huge difference. Personally my instructors were really ok with me using the booties. I excelled threw AFF and coaching jumps to earn my A and had proper leg position with stable legs... I'd say that's the key, start using the booties when your legs are stable in regular flight,turns and level changes...As I said the difference is huge. But as you said. I had to learn smaller movements with my legs which was easy after a few solo jumps,
I try not to use it every single jump so that I keep my free fall skills consistent with or without.
That's my .02
Hope it helped