That's a detailed and thoughtful response. I appreciate it. I play a Les Paul Standard HP now and love the instrument. I was looking into PRS for two reasons...

1.) Reputation for quality

2.) Look and feel (I love the look and feel of a high-end PRS in my hands)

I really dig the high-end PRS lineup, great mix / diversity, but the private stock seems alluring for tonewood choice, hardware and aesthetic beauty. Plus, it's a one-of-a-kind instrument. A piece of art, really. But, if the hardware and tonewoods on a Private Stock aren't worth a $5K+ markup, then it doesn't make sense to pay for marketing.