Thanks for the report and glad you made it home without incident.
When under time restrictions it is always a good idea to pre-arrange a cab for these kinds of things.
For us, the STT airport is the only thing that makes sense from NY. One flight. done. Yes, standing in lines with luggage both in customs and at the airport isn't exactly fun but after 25 years we just accept it. Getting there way ahead of your flight seems to be the key to moving through quickly (and finding seats) Everything we have is on wheels so we don't have to carry things, we eat a big breakfast before getting there, bring our own snacks and books and make the best of it.