I am thankfully able to tell you from experience that at least 90% of the time the guitars perceived as expensive, high end guitars are more fun and more rewarding to play. Sure, on paper it may not seem to be worth 4 times the amount of the lower priced model but how do you put a dollar value on fun and rewarding? It's in the small details where most high end guitars really shine. Those small details add up to a more fulfilling experience most of the time. Once in a while Epiphone and other companies will come out with a model that punches way above its weight class. The 1961 reissue Casino was one of those and I heard the Blak and Blu was another one. Both of those guitars are now commanding higher prices used than they did when they were new. It seems now that most of the Inspired By Gibson range are the next round of great Epiphones currently available at moderate prices.
Thanks Buddy and I don't disagree with you having actually played some great higher end versions of others I own. And when ever I've been asked if my CS Nocaster is really all that much better than my other Teles I will always admit that in nearly ever way it is provided one can see and feel the differences.
Hopefully I'll get a shot at playing a USA Casino in the near future. I'm not opposed to spending more for a better product but currently my desire for variety takes precedence over owning just two or three top of the line models. That may change someday and I'll find myself shopping the top shelf again.