When you get into the realm of the "Made in the USA" strats, they are all well built guitars. It's more a matter of what non standard features you want - noiseless single coil pickups, locking tuning machines, etc. Mine is an American Standard, but it's 14 years old now. The only difference I see from it and the "Standard" now is that mine has the saddle "blocks" that are on the deluxe whereas the standard now has the bent steel saddles. Some consider the bent steel saddles more "traditional" and create a more authentic strat sound. I have no idea of how true that is - visually the block saddles are more sturdy and well build than the bent ones.

I've read that the Floyd rose can be a real pain in the arse to keep in tune.

Do a little bit of research and venture out to GC when you have a lot of time to spare. I actually hate guitar shopping - it's very stressful. I'm afraid no matter how much time I spend in the store checking it out that I'll find something I'm not happy with when I get home. Both of my electrics were bought at guitar center and in both cases I bought something different than I set out to based on my research. Same thing with my amp. That's why I will never buy and instrument or an amp sight unseen online.

Best of luck in your search. Let us know what you choose and how you make out!