thanks for sharing your experience. You know? I finally ended up with my Mexican road worn 60s Strat, and I love it. I did try also the american made and honestly I didn't see any difference in quality. Actually I even prefered the sound on the mexican, the one I got has tex-mex pick ups on it, the neck is more comfortable, to me is just perfect.
I realized many people are keeping say american ones are better.. but they never really played these guitars... there is just so much ignorance about it.
Davide