This comment has been nagging me. Not because I disagree, but because I do. I am either gonna go set neck or neck thru. Combining the 2 is just an insane amount of work for what? Hell if I know. I have a bolt on neck guitar that sustains just as well as my Les Pau becase the joint is tight. So, I am leaning towards a tight set neck.
Also, What about the shapes bothers you? Is it a personal taste thing, or is that something else? I went with PRS inspired shapes, without getting into trouble. Any suggestions are welcome.