Sounds like an excellent experience. As for why you would by the american ones? Well let me tell you, I have been sold on them since I touched one. They compete with my carvins for nicely carved necks, fretwork, and comfort. That and you get some options
(I am a custom order junky, if it isn't what I want dead one, I won't buy it, typically). G&L sits with Carvin for best guitars I've ever played, easily.
I am not sure how things work here, but on certain other forums, if you don't post pictures of your axe, it does not exist.
Welcome aboard.