I'm with you on numbers three through five....but as for maps, I bought them as I rode all the way through Central and South America. Only time I had real trouble was Peru, where it took a couple of hours to find one. And if I'd carried them all with me from the start, I'd have had to hire a support vehicle. If you don't see them in gasolineras, find the nearest stationary store (papeleria) or bookstore (libreria). When you can, trade with other riders headed in the opposite direction.
Helpers usually get in the way, as you say--their goal is to maximize commissions and fees, which has never been exactly what I had in mind. But in some spots they can be handy if you choose wisely....and not if you don't.
enjoy,
Mark
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