Greetings all
A couple of things.
On the one occasion that we flew American to sxm via sju, on the return flight we did exactly what someone else suggested. We took an earlier flight from SBH, checked our bags early and hit a local restaurant for lunch and cocktails. Beats the hell out of hanging out at the airport terminal.
When flying with US Air, on the return from SBH we use the in-transit gate as our luggage is checked through to ewr and we have used the business lounge upstairs ( I think last year the cost was usd 30 for the four of us). It is a very nice lounge and, confidentially, although in theory you are not allowed to smoke anywhere in the SXM airport, they seem to look the other way when you sneak a smoke in the men's/ladies' rooms.
You get free use of their computers with high speed internet access, they have a couple of satellite TV's, a good bar, some snacks, free coffee and they come to tell you when your plane is getting ready to board so you can relax until the time comes. I highly reccommend it vs hanging out with the masses in the gate area.
take care
georgedp