Assuming the crew decided Goose Bay was was not the nearest 'suitable' airport for diversion after losing an engine, why couldn't they also have decided, perhaps sequentially, that Gander, then Halifax, then Bangor, were also 'unsuitable" and got to JFK.
Or was Goose Bay really not an option?
Continuing in that vein, why not overfly JFK and go on to Miami? Better beaches, nightlife, palm trees, etc...
'suitable' means many things, but the crew take the information they have and proceed with the best alternative. What those things are, are really not up for discussion at this point considering everyone is safe albeit a little bleary eyed.
In the US, 'nearest suitable' means closest suitable "in point of time".
Being overhead an airfield does not mean (unless a fire or other very urgent condition warrants) it is the nearest suitable. Track miles, wind, familiarity, etc., etc...
Furthermore, just because despatch wants the airplane in Atlanta, does not mean you overfly Raleigh for another hour and then land.