Iba ang appeal ng classic tele configuration (two single coils, 3-barrel saddles), versus a hot-rodded tele. And then you have the Esquires (single bridge pickup only), which has a following of its own. Its hard to find, or even to customize a tele to appeal to these... And so I ended up with a uber-customized tele kit, and an all-stock classic vibe 50's.
My customized one has a strat pickup on the neck, and a humbucker on the bridge. The bridge position is thick and midrangey, but still retains alot of twang. I think that the twang is more of a function of the bridge plate, 3 saddle, and top load config.
Why not consider the Esquire option? Bridge single coil only, then bypass both the tone and volume, and the pcikup selector. You'll get a hot, but true single-coil sound.