The MIAs are still noticeable better overall- craftsmanship, materials, and feel- but at the price point, they should be. I tried 5 or so Mexicans recently, and they were mostly underwhelming. The Roadhouse was promising though, but as always, it had old strings on it, so it was difficult to give fair judgment. Ended up getting the Highway 1, which felt and sounded much better than the Mexicans. During Yupangco's sale period, Highways could go for as low as 35k- comfortably cheaper than fullblown MIAs, and not so far away from hot-rodded MIMs. Highways are not traditional strats though, with their jumbo frets and hotter pups, so they might not be for everybody. One model to look out for is the American Special- similar pricing to the Highway 1, but with the standard urethane finish (not so hot about the Highway 1 faux-nitro), and spiced with Texas Specials.