Would you recommend this island?

Depends

i see you like gc. st. thomas is lush & hilly. it is also fairly busy. snorkeling is ok but not outstanding. you might prefer st. john. it's less commercial & has very good snorkeling. smaller, also lush & hilly.
the only resort i can recommend on st. thomas is secret harbor. condo style rooms, very good restaurant and beach bar, very good snorkeling. and in a very quiet spot.
well the ritz is awfully nice too with nice beach and outstanding view towards st. john and bvi's. but a bit pricey.
would you be able to recommend a 2-3 br villa for rent on gc. we want to snorkel right out front and would prefer a flat walking beach for 80 yr old mom. quiet location - not on 7-mile. pool would be nice.

I spent Christmas 2006 at Christopher Colombus Condos on Seven Mile Beach with two toddlers, two senior citizens, and three forty sometin's. Perfect for what you are looking for.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...n_Islands.html

Yes, I would. Most people don't get a taste of life on St Thomas unless they stay there. The downtown area may not have an authentic Caribbean feel to it, but that doesn't mean the rest of the island doesn't. There are all kinds of activities from sailing to great beaches. You can also take the ferry over to St John's one day.