We've been going to SXM for a long time. I cannot remember ever being rushed to move out like we find back home. Especially at the finer restaurants, dinner is considered an event to be savored and enjoyed at a leisurely pace. We Americans often move along faster since we have been, unfortunately programmed to do this.
Most of us on this board have stated our feelings toward gratuities. You are the customer. You set the rules for what you feel is fair dependent upon the level of food quality and service.
I, like many have been tricked into over tipping. With age comes some degree of wisdom.