Part of my brain screams the same kind of thing. I have never been too brand conscious myself. My first electric was a beat up second hand ibanez but after that I got a fabulous Spear guitar which is a company that might not exist anymore. I will have to check. It's great and my Spanish style acoustic is one of those odd budget brands you can get on Amazon. Although I think I lucked out with that one as it's awesome.
I am thinking of going for a proper brand again but decided definitely not to Gibson!
If I could justify having more guitars then a Gibson might be part of the collection. I quite fancied the Nighthawk. Never owned a Fender either.
The nighthawk always intrigued me. Would love to give it a bash. I have been told flat out that the guitar I am buying is the last one as there is no room. I am like, damn, surely not!
LOL! There is always room for one more.
That's what I have gotten away with up till now!