That is a great story...and even though when I got my first guitar, I went kinda high in quality (well, $500 for a Les Paul)...that was easy for me, my dad paid for it back then. Lest you think I was spoilt, I did single handedly move his office warehouse that summer many years ago. Thing is, I was like you in thinking any guitar and it was my dad that said, 'no, get a good one'. Dad was alright in my book...

Thing is, everyone knows what's best for you when it comes to buying instruments. You know, musicians are experts and everyone should learn from their wisdom ;)

What it comes down to is, do you enjoy playing the instrument? Does it make you want to come back?

Sounds like you're there.

If you are having a good time and, ya know, when you walk in to the room where the guitar is at and it makes you want to pick it up and noodle out a few notes cuz it kinda fun, that's all that matters. The Fender Police aren't gonna come knockin' at your door asking why you don't have the Clapton Signature model...

...but would it kill them you bring you (and me too...) one of the Clapton Strats...hehe