Looks like I'm going back to Strat's, suggestions?

[Strat-Mangler]

Since Gibson's new policy,...

What policy?

[pbradt]

How much would good, noiseless ones cost?

Good and noiseless is an oxymoron.

[daddyo]

Try a Jimmie Vaughan strat ($850 CDN) or a Robert Cray hardtail strat ($800 solid colour or $880 in sunburst CDN). They are MIM but excellant guitars. I especially recommend the Cray as I have one. One of the best sounding strats at any price. I have the violet Cray but the sunburst is jaw dropping. The workmanship on the Cray was better than the MIA Knopfler sig I looked at. These prices are at Long & McQuade.

[Solo]

What policy?

Check out the LP forum, I provided a direct link in an earlier post.