They are in fact, much lower quality. The pickups aren't as good, and the overall feel of American Made Fenders is much much better. My stepbrother has a MiM tele with some custom shop pickups and from what I hear, it's pretty nice. I suppose you should go to guitar center and try them out side-by-side if you are a serious buyer. If I were you, I'd go for the American Made model.

I'm no expert on Telecasters but that is my opinion.