If I had my druthers, it would be a simple strip of blacktop going north from Tikal to join the road south to Calakmul with a normal border checkpoint as in other border crossings.
Belize has a nice system with its trees, they mark the trees that are to be taken and take a DNA sample when the tree is marked for harvest. The logs are identifiable in their downmarket travels, if a wood product is not in the system, there is automatic probable cause . I was told this by a tourist guide so its is hearsay but true or not, it seems a good way to protect trees that are worth thousands in a land where people earn pennies.
A road south out of Yucatan straight into Guatemala would bring development to the northern Peten but it would also bring better access for the authorities. I've passed army trucks full of soldiers in 6 wheel drive trucks on jungle dirt roads, it is a major endeavor to get those people into the remote areas. In the wet season it is nigh unto impossible . For the rule of law to function, someone has to be there to enforce said law.
A good road into the region would help ruin hounds like myself who are not interested in walking for miles through swamps to see a 'new' ruin.

As to turning the area into a resort , it sounds like a typical fraud, one set up to seperate people with money from their money.

Hi jungclaudio - this is very different than any organized tour like peterrainey was looking to do, but here's a thorough Trip Report on how to independently cross la Mosquitia, between Matagalpa, Nica to La Ceiba, Honduras, using public transportation.

It may not be what you're looking for, but also sounds right up your alley with other travel experiences you've had.

What an inspiring trip report!

I have four questions:

1) Are there day buses on the route you traveled on?
2) Did you skip Caracas because of security reasons? Do you think it is absolutely no-go zone? If one still decided to break a journey there how should it be done? Which are the neighborhoods to avoid?
3) You spent quite a few nights in a bus. Are the hotels still running normally? What is the current price for a basic room?
4) You didn't go to Angel Falls because of the high cost. Where did you get this price? I recall there was another recent reporter who claimed Angel Falls is still possible on a budget from Ciudad Bolivar. This was mentioned in a post somewhere in the Guianas section...

I'm in the region in March and considering a similar trip - thanks to you. :)

You can't realistically (or at least in a rewarding way) get to Yosemite NP and back in 4-5 days ... I guess you can but not a good trip in your limited time.

I would recommend the Grand Canyon NP Village (2 nights), Bryce Canyon NP (1), Springdale (2), and back to Las Vegas via Valley of Fire SP. Great trip and not too rushed in your available time.

Higher elevation places such as the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, and Bryce Canyon NP, can be exceedingly cold - but it all adds to the adventure.

Sites like expedia.com will show very cheap places in Las Vegas ... we like the Desert Rose Resort - no casino, low-rise, and a block from the Strip ... nice, but not for everyone. At the Grand Canyon we have stayed at Tusayan a few times quite happily, then Ruby's Inn at Bryce Canyon NP, then Zion Park Motel at Springdale ... none of these break the budget.

I also advise you to take a look on the Nicaragua TripAdvisor forum as it is more active, has recent trip reports and reports from locals. I would not hesitate to go right now. And if you go I hope you have two weeks or more. Granada, volcano Masaya, Ometepe, Leon and its volcanoes and beaches, the northern highlands, the Rio San Juan... lots to see and do. I highly recommend going to Ometepe. The ferry from San Jorge is still only 50 cordobas. And it is a beautiful island with volcanoes, beaches, nature reserve, wildlife, natural spring pool, waterfall...

Thanks for the extensive trip report. I was in El Tunco for the 2nd time only two years ago around Christmas, and definitely there were no rental car places. I hope the place doesn't get overdeveloped with too much concrete. I also found the views of the Gulf of Fonseca to be breathtaking, even though I've only seen it from the Nicaragua side. Maybe I can check out far east El Salvador on my next visit.

Have just downloaded our experiences in detail. It is titled Trip Report by Family - 3 weeks in PNG Highlands, Sepik and Wewak

Probably the 98 sinking. About half if the pax seem to have survived. Interesting that low demand is mentioned in the report:

At least 18 people died when ferry Saendee Maneesap 9 capsized near Koh Wao Yai in the early hours of last Wednesday (21 October).

The search would continue, but it was feared the nine were trapped in the vessel, which sank in a storm 5.4km west of Koh Wao Yai in the Ang Thong national marine park. The vessel would be raised to establish what caused the capsize, in which three people, two of them foreigners, drowned and 18 were rescued.

The Saendee Maneesap 9 was originally registered with a capacity to carry 150 passengers, later reduced to 40 passengers for tax and insurance purposes because of decreasing demand. The number of passengers and the load of goods at the time of accident were far below the capacity.

From: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/dpm.1999.07308eac.002/full/html

And:

The crew of a fishing trawler arrived at the scene and pulled passengers and crew – many of whom were not wearing life vests – to safety. Marine and Samui police units transported people to Samui Hospital in Nathon. A total of 18 passengers and crew were rescued and another seven or eight passengers remain unaccounted for. Four female foreigners were among those saved. Authorities did not release their names. A spokesman for Samui Hospital told the Gazette that 13 passengers were admitted yesterday and all were reported in good condition this morning. They were expected to be released later today.

From:
https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/Ferry-Boat-Accident-Claims-Least-Three

Krabi sure is worth a trip, check out Tezza's beaches as recommended above to get an idea about the beaches, you have to get out of Krabi town.
There's something for everyone in the area, from budget hostels to resort hotels with swimming pools, and bungalow resorts in between. Island hop, swim, snorkel, dive, rock climb, kajak, party, relax, your choice.
Once you read up about the area a bit take a look at accommodation there, so much choice in all different price categories.
Go for it, enjoy!