I'm not sure where all these data points are coming from, but you won't need to pick up checked bags in MEX. They're checked through to your final destination.

All you have to do is go through a quick transit passport control check (and they xray your carryons). It's painless and takes 2 minutes.

MEX airport is not that big, and as someone said, end-to-end is 10-15 minutes. That's worst case.

As for the poster who does not fly Mexican carriers, the service on Mexican carriers is superior to those in the U.S. -- free meals/snack boxes, free drinks, free entertainment (no charge for headphones). Even on a short, 1-hour MEX-CUN, MX gave us a snackbox, entertainment, and free drinks.

I would take the Mexican carriers over a U.S. carrier any day. The added benefit of the MEX connection is on the return -- you don't have to deal with your bags until you get to the U.S.