Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.601 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)

While there can always be unusual situations, to suggest that the Q10 or Q10 Limited usually takes an hour -- let alone an "hour+" -- to make the run from Terminal 4 to Kew Gardens is just incorrect. The scheduled run time is around 35-40 minutes, and in my experience the bus runs pretty close to schedule.
Yes, the AirTrain is faster, but it takes some time to get to Jamaica, and then you are five minutes further away from Manhattan than if you took the bus to Kew Gardens. And at Kew Gardens, you can get either the E or the F train, which should result in reduced waiting time if either train will get you where you're going.

You also have the option of bailing out of the Q10 at Liberty Avenue, if you want to take the A train to lower Manhattan.

The biggest problem with the Q10 are crowds found at Kew Gardens when going to JFK. Sometimes you have to wait for a second bus if you want a seat. But that's never been a problem from JFK.

I think the AirTrain is great, and I do use it sometimes. But the Q10 is not an unreasonable alternative when you're looking to save a few bucks.