IMO, this comes down to money spent and the name you want on your headstock. I looked at this a while back, and yes Gibson may give you better quality parts but in the long run it is going to be what makes you happy. Find a guitar that you want to pick up and ignore the name brand.

Case in point, google "cardboard strat"

Here's the link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Oo2H-W7d6A

If a cardboard strat can impress people....there with todays tech just about any guitar will be playable, enjoyable, and put smiles on peoples faces.

I had a Lyon by Washburn strat.....cheap as could be, but stayed in tune and played anything I wanted...ended up selling it to a friend because her son was getting into guitar. I kinda wish I still had it