Sounds like you guys all love you Teles...I have a friend who has a tele mex and I love his tele. I would also look at getting a Semour Duncan pickup on the bridge.
The only issue is that I would be buying through my guitar school ( they get great prices ) so I may not be able to test the exact guitar that I buy, although if it is a crap one, I will be able to return it.
Any thoughts?
Andrew