Yes, at this point I have lived about half my life in Mexico, and half in USA. I have been going back and forth my whole life. I am fluent in both languages, although I do type English much better. When I am in Mexico you can say I am "Americanized", and when I am in USA I guess you can say I am "Mexicanized".
I do feel comfortable around both cultures, and from first hand experience YES there are differences in the culture, some much more obvious than others. Also, yes, my "secret" weapon you could say, is the fact that I know and understand the "American" culture. I've had very good hosts working with me in the past, that were very fluent in English, but were not up do date on the "slang" and often they didn't pick up on slight cultural hints.
There are many companies that offer private tours to Chichen Itza, "supposedly" that is our competition. I put supposedly in quotes, because it is not a true apples to apples comparison. They offer set private tours, we offer custom private tours.
At first glance it would seem it is more convenient to go with a company that includes everything on their fees, admissions, tolls, etc, but if you are looking for a custom experience that can actually work against you. If you go to Chichen through Coba, you don't end up paying toll roads, but with all inclusive fees, you already paid them. If you have a restrictive diet, and decide to bring your own meals, well with all inclusive rates you already paid for the meals. If someone in the group becomes ill towards the end of the tour, and you all decide to skip Ek Balam ruins, again, with all inclusive rates, you already paid upfront for the admissions you ended up not using.
Why do most if not all private tours seem to include Ik Kill? Because it is dirt cheap for the operators to take their folks there. Our rate is half of the published rate. About 80 pesos for the buffet and cenote. The catch is that the drinks are not included, and you are not allowed to bring the drinks from the van. The buffet is ok at best, and you don't see locals eating there, just bus load after bus load of tourists.
With a custom tour, you can decide weather you want to go to a local restaurant with authentic yucatecan food, where they don't have english menus, and all the people eating around you are actually from the area. Or you could chose to eat at one of the more upscale restaurants in Valladolid, La Taberna de los Frailes, or are you looking for the classic ambiance, maybe you can eat at El Meson del Marques, next to a window, overlooking the center park and the cathedral.
Custom tours, mean more options, which translates into more work on the clients behalf, but a much better experience.
Jeanette on the other hand isn't thrilled about the updates and likes to have her ducks in a row before we go. 
