Went on a mileage run to CCS 18 months ago. While I agree that CCS itself is probably not somewhere you want to be hanging out in (in fact, as a foreigner, many locals will refuse to even take you into town), if you're not too fussed by a short trip in a turboprop, you should definitely make the most of a stay in Venezuela to visit Los Roques. Bring some books, eat some langosta, drink some Santa Teresa... ^

With respect to customs - I remember finding them most agreeable (I travel on a European passport though, so can't vouch for US citizens - can imagine the welcome not to be quite as friendly).