re: Mexican vs American Fenders question

I agree that if you're asking this question Mexican is probably the way to go. Fender really has four production "lines" - not counting Squier - standard Mexican, high-end Mexican, standard American, American Deluxe/Reissues. I think all their lines are outstanding in terms of value per dollar at that particular price point (with the possible exception of the high end line where you pay extra to have an axe that is "exactly" like Clapton's 1957 strat or whatever). I also think that if you're patient you can get incredible deals on used guitars that sat in a case or next to somebody's bed for two years and look brand new.

But the most important thing is to play it. Everyone has very different preferences in terms of necks, fret size, scale length, and who knows what else. Specs can vary widely across brand and across models. You're not looking for a generically "better" guitar, you're looking for one that fits you.