I have a question:
How did this thread turn into this? Yeah, it's turned into a very ineresting read but I feel the knowledge of the people posting is really getting to be a little much.
The questions asked have really been answered.
If I was a newbie to this board and getting ready for my first trip to JA I would be starting to get very confused.This board is not only for you veteran travelers but the novice as well.
As far as the politics behind using or not using "route taxis" I'm not going there...
but I will say that the tone of the message is to the newbies that "if your not using route taxis your not really getting it..and your spending waaaay to much money by not using them."
Again, there is a ton of knowledge to be gained here but to think the a first timer to JA is going to do the same things as people that have traveled there 10,15, 20 times is absurd.
First timers need a basic understand and then they have to learn by doing. I'm pretty sure that's how most of the people posting have gained their knowledge.

Yeah... so get out there and jump in a "red plate" taxi and have a great ride, where ever you go!
p.s. Don't worry about a thing..every little thing will be all right!