Not to be nit-picky, but VMGRT-253 went away "less" than a year ago (Sept 06), not that the timeframe matters. Not too many guys are going to JMATS due to scheduling and funding issues, the majority are doing the ATU route. But that is an ebb and flow thing and may change (and this is dated experience).
Loss of 253 already has been felt; a guy can learn to fly anywhere, but learning how a squadron works, before you get to your fleet squadron, was a good thing. Some of the recent generation have had a steep learning curve. A lot will be expected of you when you show up to 252/352/152. The old rule applies, talk less, listen more, do as told... works awesome for your first year or so.
The J model is a great aircraft to fly, you most likely will like it. Hard not to.
Be patient with what you have in front of you. We are all tapped with the continuing deployments to Iraq, most of us are on our second or third tour. The squadrons are working hard to support other real world frags and training, and then now have to assume taking brand new folks from the ATU and get them spooled up. It will be a slinky effect, but one day you will be all shiney and qualified and it all works out. But don't get to wrapped up over the exact path and timeline that will take you there, none of that is carved in stone.
Good avatar if you were flying USAF C-130s...