[Gogar]

$.02

If you're just starting a collection, I suggest you go 'classic' with all your choices. The Highway 1 strat is great; If you get a tele, IMO stay away from a thinline or hybrid, and just go with a classic solid body Tele with no fancy electronics. Same with the Gibsons; you can find a great Epiphone SG or LP in your price range. Once you figure out WHY people like certain guitars for certain reasons, then you could maybe open up your thinking a bit and get a hybrid or variant style, and understand the 'thinking' better.