If you all will excuse me but I just skipped alot of the replies after the initial query. Just because on other forums, alot of people just love to bash on the Squiers, just to read themselves thinking they are cool on bagging on a product. But not me.
For the money a Squier is a good place to start, there are other Premium guitar makers that put out entry level gits so take a look around. Nowadays it's pretty tough to find a crappy guitar because alot of the guitar makers are vying for a entry level guitar market.
I know plenty of die-hard Strat guys that still have thier old Squires and still love them!