Sweet looking instrument. Tele's are more versatile than you might think. They of course do have the classic country sound but in addition to the sounds country musicians evoke from the instrument I was always amazed at the sounds that Roy Buchanan could squeeze out of the Telecaster.

Your analysis regarding the length of the neck was really interesting. I have also found the width of the neck on Fender Guitars feel a little more natural to my hands; not quite as sqeezed together.

Happy Playing.