Considering that Olympic are now the only mainstream tour operators going to Plakias Jan, most private travellers regard their independance as an advantage.
They can choose their flight and the accomadation, to suit themselves and they also have the flexibility of travelling times and dates.
The transfers are probably the biggest bug bear, but some Olympic customers this year are hiring cars to pick up and drop at the airport, so that helps.
As far as price is concerned, you pay for what you ask for Jan, and more often than not it's more expensive to travel independantly, well I've found it so anyway.
If you want a room on the front with a balcony overlooking the sea and unobstructed views of the sunset while you have a pre dinner glass of wine or three, I personally think it's worth every excess penny.
george...