To point a) ....this is my position/opinion as well. I am not certain that claiming a VII bari is a relabeled VI because it doesn't have VII pinky table or spats...is really an argument standing on terra firma. If these were somewhat experimental, proptotypical horns...it's quite possible Selmer decided NOT to start machining VII-esque keys at a baritone scale...until they had firmly decided to market the VII bighorn.
Point b), as people are by now tired of hearing me say...is where the Proof lies. Gotta measure up the bodies of one vs. the other. The answer will be right there.