Strataxe, So if you change to a LP you will have to change your name then? ;-) Why not have both, a full range of tones.
I don't hold Fender to blame for any of their endorsements, rather Gibson have been the big bad brother lately. Try a Tokai (either Strat, Tele, or LP style)
I also have played from early teens, with similar histories to other stories here. Eventually bought a good guitar in my mid 20's then went cold again with family growing. The last 10 years I have been very actove playing daily, I love my music, it is my escape