Man, if the Hot Rod Deville is substandard to some, I wonder what those people would have to say about my Squire Tele going into my EpiphoneValve Jr. Head. I have much more expensive gear, but this combination just sounds the best.
I agree that much of the sounds come from the hands, and also thing young players would do well to forget about what's cool and "the best" and play what sounds the best. I wish I hadn't gotten rid of my short scale Memphis all those yars ago...I bet it would sound sweet with the right amp...