I had a '62 (?) SG that was so weak at the neck joint, it was scary. Tuning one string would put the rest out by changing the tension on the neck! More recent models have a little more wood between the neck and the pocket for the pickup, but it's still kinda flexy.

I haven't actually held one of the 'faded' axes in my hands, so this is just hearsay... the finish is more like a rubbed tung-oil than a hard laquer. This wouldn't be as shiny as the top-line stuff, or as durable, but it would be easy to maintain.

Bottom line... any axe that feels good in your hands, and makes your ears smile, is a good one.