These are great suggestions, cheers.

Regarding the Epis, how do their LPs compare to the Gibsons? And what about pickups? For example, the Wildkat (that's on my list of potentials) has Epi P-90s - how good are they? Likely to hum too much? Good mid and low range or mainly for treble stuff? Anyone got experience with the Epi P-90s or with the Wildkat itself in particular?

Re the Highway 1, it's the broad range of incerdible tones that impressed me. Having a neck that is easily switched isn't a selling point for me - the only modifications I'd realistically consider (years down the track) would be pickups. I really want to buy something that is the finished item, and in its 'stock' form the Highway 1 does seem the finished item. I do prefer a higher radius neck, but that's a small compromise.

And psychologically I don't find the Ibanez options appealing just because I've played some dodgy Ibanez in the past, but clearly I'll have to get over that!