The point is that Joran arrived at C&C's shortly prior to when it was going to close. Joran knew Natalee had expressed an interest in him, and since this was her last night on the island it was only natural for them to go somewhere afterwards. I believe he arrived that late on purpose knowing exactly what would happen.
I've been on cruses in the Caribbean that have touched at the Dutch Antillies. We were all warned (by staffers of the Holland America Line) that one of the things the Dutch locals like to do is scope out tourists, buy 'em drinks, get 'em drugged, rape and rob them. The tourist is so interested in getting back to the ship that they don't wait to file charges or complaints. They just go. It's a problem. They like to do it on the last day.
Yep, all that is or might be true. Or the arrival late just might have been because of the way the schedules worked out. I often get somewhere later than I had intended because I had to work later than expected - and I work on a military base. And, if Natalee did not want to spend any time with Joran...no matter how early or late he arrived...she would not have gone with him. I am sure, since it is reported that she is a very responsible girl, she would have said "Too late, I am going back to the hotel." and she would have left with her friends, not the 3 fellows. JMHO
I have travelled extensively also. I have heard the same warnings. But I have never heard of any teen who was not a gang member, part of drug cartel, etc. who has been an offender in such a situation. I think if that was Joran's MO, there would have been reports of other, previous times, or connections with unsavory types. He is a good looking boy, I doubt if he has to force foreign women to have a relationship. If this were his first attempt at such a move what would have been the motive? A short escapade on the beach does not seem to be worth it, IMO.
Besides, if Joran had helped Natalee win back some money she lost, (as one report from Deepak states) why would he rob her? Evidently he can make money gambling, what would a few dollars from Natalee, or any tourist mean to him? There are bad people there, so is also true throughout America. Friends of mine were in Detroit, and were robbed just outside their hotel...by a nice, white, American man and woman!! Nice people also live on the islands.
But, hey, thanks for your perspective. This is what makes FR great. We all ponder, bounce ideas back and forth, consider possibilities, and somewhere in the muddle we often come at least close to the truth. In all our summations there are probably elements of reality.