Thanks for the response!

Forget which stop, but a couple blocks off that main 4/5 line with the Express trains to Manhattan.

Your edit-add there is pretty much where I am, that as a non-NYC'er it maps out to be easier to JFK by transit and the aforementioned options if IRROPS occur with the roads en route. Interesting that the mapped drive isn't too much different, but again I guess that's your point that the options available when heading to JFK make that a more robust choice.

I do appreciate the insight -- as someone not familiar with NYC I wanted to make sure I wasn't making some big mistake somewhere!