From talking to our PGY-1 residents, it sounds like their year has been quite challenging. It's a lot of work, but I think their experience will pay off. They are working on a lot of the surgical services along with the surgery residents and attendings. They will know how to manage surgical, medical and ICU patients outside of the OR. You'll know how BJC works and the "system" instead of learning it when you come for CA-1. It is definitely not "cushy", and you'll work that year, but I think in the end you would come out a very strong CA-1 resident. It's all about experience and you will DEFINITELY get it if you do the internship year at Barnes.
Hope this helps,
TRG.