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It looks so obvious to me that your question scares me :-)
Be afraid, be very afraid. Your fear is well-founded. :)
The correct answer is that Blue should play P (make the 5pt) in the left-hand position, and play K (hit twice) in the right-hand position. For analysis, see Backgammon Openings, pp. 20–21.
You said:
In general, hitting loose in the opening is more attractive when:
a) hitting on the 4pt or 5pt;
b) hitting 2 with one checker.
Principle (a) is good. However, in this case it is overridden by distributional considerations. It is better to end up with one checker on the 7pt (which cannot be immediately hit) plus four checkers on the 6pt, than to end up with all five checkers on the 6pt.
Principle (b) is being misapplied. An extra outside blot (builder) is usually an asset, especially when you are putting two checkers on the roof. In the case of 62U-31K, it is only by hitting with different checkers (one from the 8pt and the other from the 6pt) that Blue can create a stronger position. He can look forward to using the 7pt blot as a builder to cover the 3pt (or hit an entering checker) or to covering the 7pt (creating a three-prime).
Below is a position where you could better apply your principles. There are three ways to hit twice. The best way is 6/5*/1*, because it hits on the 5pt (honoring (a)), as opposed to 6/2*/1*, which hits on the lowly 2pt.
The third way to hit twice is 6/5* 6/2*, but 6/5*/1* is better because it honors (b). That said, your principle (b) could be written better. The problem with 6/5* 6/2* is not that it leaves a second blot, but that that blot is inside, thereby leaving a second direct shot. That is a serious enough matter to typically trump distributional considerations (in such cases).
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