It's so great to see you back in the forum, Vienna. I for one missed your musical breakdowns and analysis on equipment and musical artists.
Your analysis of Fender Squier Stratocastors is spot on. I know a great number of guitarists that purchased Squier Strocastors and used them as a basis for extensive modifications like putting humbucking dual pickups in the body and routing the body for a Floyd Rose bridge / tremolo system. The only difference is the Squiers were not built of Ash or Alder wood but rather of Basswood. I came across a rarity some years ago, An American made Fender Squir Stratocastor and immediately bought it. It plays as well as my American Standard and Strat Plus and Strat Ultra guitars.
I still think you get more bang for the buck with an Ibanez or ESP " Super Strat " electric guitar, though.
With regards to Stevie Ray Vaughan, He is still sorely missed many years after his passing.