Direct buy-in is a better choice I think.
With satellites you have to be 'ITM' at least twice, sometimes more, before you can take the money, so less chance there.
Also it feels a wrong bankroll management if you play in a satellite that gives a ticket for another tournament that would cost you too much.
Imagine being allowed by your bankroll to play in a tournament of max 2$. If this is a satellite to a 20$ tourney, then you will play in that one, while it is way above your maximum.
Better play then in a regular tourney, and add your winnings to your bankroll, which after a while (if you play good) should give you the oppertunity for the 20$ tournament when the time is ripe.
If the bankroll is not an issue, why not just buy in directly and have more chance of winning?