The split US (or JFK) ramp/ground procedures may be different from the rest of the world. They may even be less smart than the rest of the world. But that really doesn't matter.
You drive on US roads, you drive on the right. No cop is going to accept "Americans drive on the wrong side of the road!" as an excuse for running into another car.
You fly into JFK, you should understand JFK's procedures and operate with them in mind. If you can't, turn down the assignment.
"When in Rome....."