Personally, I find the Allentown meet more manageable. I've only been to York a few times. I find it overwhelming. Too much to sort through in one day.
Allentown's meet is by comparison much easier to navigate. It's all in one building. The aisles seem to be a bit wider. I usually make a first pass, then my second go-round is more slowly. By my third trip through the hall, I am able to spot what interests me and start asking questions. Finally, I make one more pass and do the deed $$$$$.
My last Allentown meet was last Fall. I don't recall anyone charging tax. Of course the purchases I made were from private table holders.
Yes, there are operating layouts.
I usually leave well before the bell sounds at the end of the day so cannot answer your question about how early the vendors leave. It is a two day event, so I would imagine that on Sunday afternoon everyone has had their fill of selling and buying. In other meets I used to attend forty odd years ago, many vendors packed up early in the afternoon. Those meets were Gilbertsville, New Hope and many smaller meets that don't exist now.
