ok... you seem to be very confused... there are no set "rules" that say you can't use a fender for hard rock or metal! in the same way you can use a gibson for playing soft stuff... yes certain guitars have strengths and weaknesses, but it doesn't mean you aren't "allowed" to play metal with a fender... let your own ears be the judge... did you think that playing hard rock with a fender sounded like crap before your friend said anything? probably not... so don't worry about what he says, you can use whatever guitar you want to for playing whatever style you want to. but some have strengths and weaknesses, and you may find a gibson to be better at hard rock, but it doesn't mean you can't play it with a strat.