Originally Posted by: K-rad

What is becoming painfully clear is that to make a good purchase probably means going to a place and actually trying guitars out for fit, feel and sound. That'll prevent me from buying anythinng for a super long time.

There could be another alternative. Identify somewhere that has a good returns policy (and will allow you to return it even there is nothing wrong with it, and you've just changed your mind). Then identify a guitar you think you'll like, knowing you can return it if it turns out that it just isn't for you.