Fwiw, for around 2-3 years, my main live guitar has been an indonesian Pacifica Mike Stern model. Bought it for €200 new. Exchanged the pickups and electronics (another 200, but I already had the pickups around). None of my other guitars are even remotely as cheap - and I still prefered the Pacifica. I only went back to others because I'm a sucker for vibrato systems.
The reason was exactly what Chapman mentions, the guitar just felt right in my hands.
One of the best "super strats" I ever had in my hands was a Cort Hiram Bullock, which was around €500 in the shop that I tested it in. Could still slap myself for not instantly buying it (they're discontinued and there's not even one on the used market over here). Again, that guitar just resonated with me.
And fwiw, as far as these types of guitars go, I also own an old Ibanez Saber, a G&L Legacy (USA made), a Framus Diablo, a Schecter Nick Johnston (indonesian model) and a Tom Anderson semi-hollow drop top. The Anderson has made it back to being my #1 live guitar - but I'd almost take a bet that the Cort, had I bought it back then, would be it instead.