Buying a guitar is such a subjective experience, and like you, I always over-work it! But that's just how it is - you want to be sure you get one that you are really happy with. SO the one that sounds and plays best, and that you love to look at sitting on its stand. I wouldn't worry too much about 'holding its value' - who knows what anything will be worth down the road, or if you'll even be the one selling it (if you catch my drift).
ted
"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