Well, i know that when i first started playing i thought i would eentually go with a fender b/c the couple people i personnally knew that i thought were great at guitar both had Tele's. (of course, one also has a Paul Reid Smith, and about 5-6 other great guitars. . .) But I went with a Les Paul DC Standard. It basically plays itself!! Fender's are generally slightly less expensive then top of the line Gibson's, so that may factor in. But i basically agree that it's for the name and popularity of use by lots of great guitarists.

Of course, Marshall's are some of the best amps, so i don't blame people for that side.

In the acoustic world, it seems everyone wants Martin's or Taylor's (i want a Martin).

my 2 ¢

yafreax