I do not agree that the higher-priced Epiphones have a better build quality. They, and most of their components are made in the same factories (by the same people, with the same assembly methods) as their brethren, whether they be higher-priced or lower. Until recently, almost all LP pickups (except for the cheapest bolt-on models) were the "Alnico Classic" model, same as on most other humbucker-loaded Epi models. Some newer ones have the latest "Alnico Pro" pickups, and some have Gibson USA humbuckers (LP Tribute). This "better build quality" thing is simply conjecture.

Are we to believe that the CNC machines are finer tuned for the more-expensive models?