On topic, the only Strat I ever met that I just had to take home with me was a 1986 MIJ '62 Re-issue.

I tore out the trem, milled a brass block that snugly fit into the hole through the body, and screwed the bridge down solidly. Turned a very nice guitar into a great one.

The more you play, the more you will develop your own set of opinions on what works for you and what doesn't. Realisiticly, a new guitar is only the closest thing you were able to find. There will always be something you want to adjust, remove, or replace. Sometimes the whole guitar gets swapped out, right? :)