Nice review Jimi. You are correct on several issues. The newer chambered lps are very light. The Traditional is weight relieved by using holes in the body. I am surprised that the traditional has such thick binding. A lot of people are looking at older Gibsons now because of the weight issues, (lightness) and the price of the historics. I think the one you are looking for is the 1960 reissue gold top. Most refer to them as the R0. It has the 60s neck and would be more to your liking.
I agree with you on the thick necks. The historics are just that. They are recreations of the orginal style guitars, and that is the way they were back then.
Keep looking and i am sure you will find one that fits like a glove. I found my 1997 Standard, and at the time I had a shoulder injury from ice hockey. When I started to play it I though I would never be able to play this guitar because of the weight. But when my injury healed I find it to be the sweetest sounding Gibby I own.
Good luck on your quest and we would like to hear your reviews on the next bunch you try out.
The Blues is alright!
Guitars: 1968 Gibson SG, 2005 Gibson SG Standard, 2006 Gibson LP Classic Gold top, 2004 Epiphone Elitist LP Custom, 1996 Gibson Les Paul Standard. 2001 Epiphone Sheraton II, 2007 Epiphone G400.
Fender Strats: 1996 Fender 68 Reissue CIJ, 2008 Squier CV 50s, 2009 Squier CV 50s Tele Butterescotch Blonde
Amps: Blues Junior Special edition Jensen in Brown Tolex with Wheat front, 65 Deluxe Reverb reissue,1970 Sonax reverb by Traynor, Avatar Custom 2/12 Cabinet with Eminence Legend V1216 speakers,
2008 DSL100 Marshall Amp , Fender Super Champ XD,Fender Vibro Champ XD
Effects and Pedals: Fulltone Fulldrive II, Fulltone OCD, Fulltone Mini Deja Vibe, Fulltone Fat Boost, Dunlop Crybaby Wah, Boss DS1, Boss DD20 Giga Delay, Boss TU2 tuner, Boss BD2, Ibanez TS9 Tube screamer, Zoom 505. Radial tonebone hot british.