The reason of splitting an Original DVD onto 2 DVDs is to have the DVD after you have bought them as a couple but are no longer together..
DVD+R go for about $2.30/per disk which is more expensive than the DVD-R..but in the grand scheme of things..no biggie.

Since most original DVDs are dual layered it takes (2) 4.7 GB discs to make a copy. I'm not sure this might violate some (C) laws but I think I can live it fine.

Yes, the software it comes with (Veritas Backup) isn't that great. It's very basic.

One thing I do like is that with a DVD+RW you can right click on the drive and format the DVD to be just like a hard drive..drag n drop..etc.