Odd - I remember that my CV strat was set up beautifully out of the box. I figured the shop had set it up, but they said no, they hadn't. No fret sprout, no finish flaws. Actually, I've only had one Chinese made instrument that was problematic - an Epi Les Paul with a funky finish on the back and a neck in need of truss rod adjustment (three other Epi's have been fine). Then again, I recall a CV Tele in a GC that had all the problems you mention...
I think the Nashville tele's seem like a great set-up; but the main reason that I sold my CV tele was because it was so heavy and the lack of a belly cut made it additionally uncomfortable (maybe I'm too skinny - hurt my ribs!).
"GAS never sleeps" - Gil Janus
"Now you got to pay your dues. Get that axe and play the blues." - Spudman
Gear: Epiphone Sheraton II, Epiphone Wildkat, Epiphone Emperor Joe Pass, Fender MIM Strat, Tacoma DR-14, Johnson JR-200 resonator; Fender Super Champ XD amp