IJ was published in 1996 and DFW died in 2008, it was already popular long before he killed himself. And Nirvana was hugely popular after the release of Nevermind in 1991, Kurt died in 1994. What you're saying makes no sense.
You are correct, the RTA tax is assessed at the time of (car tab) renewal using the vehicle's address of record. It only covers Snohomish County, Seattle area, South King County, East King County and Pierce County.
This is such an oversimplification of the book but I guess critics have to criticize. I imagine that DFW would probably say the book failed the author of this piece if this was his takeaway.