Alright...so I got my baby back. It's got Ernie Ball 10's on it now. I raised the pickups to the recommended height stated in the little fender owner's manual (they were quite low). It sounds much hotter now and I'm very happy with it.

This maybe a bit unrelated, but I talked to the guitar tech and he said he didn't need to adjust the truss rod. He told me if the action begins to creep up that I should take it in to get it adjusted. How do I know how much relief is too much. Also he adjusted the bridge so that it nearly sits on the body. Shouldn't it be pressed against the body to keep it from leaning up when I bend the strings?
I just want everything to be set up properly so I can play it and not worry.