The diagram is hideous! I have used 2 x 2n7000 to do level shifting without a MAX 232, eliminates the need for the caps, just a few limiting resistors, and yes the Max generally does use 1uF, I used to use the cheaper(about 1/3 of the price!) EXAR / SIPEX variant which worked on 0.1uF caps at 5v, and is pin compatible, but Proteus and other sim apps do a lot of work for you, so when you put it into the real world it doesn't work as expected, I worked with hardware before I used such applications so I know that ceratain components are needed and add them to the sim even though it will work perfectly well without it, it is generally good practice!