I think I might have a solution. I got this from a big collection of VSL tips'n'tricks...
So, to force a start note after a sustained note without a big gap, couldn't you use MIDI CC 64 (sustain pedal) to continue the note after the actual note has ended? For example, have the actual note stop short of when you want it to end (as to force the next note to be a start note), and before the note ends, turn up CC #64 so that the note keeps sounding. Of course, before the next note, you'll want to turn CC 64 back down before the next note. So, the sound is connected, but the actual note data tells th next note to be a start note.
My turn to try out the new emoticons![:D] I really like VSL's improved website!