Wouldn't it rock if Guitar Center or wherever, tested you before you could buy the high end gear? They had a panel of musicians (albeit dead end ones, considering they work at GC) that critiqued your playing, and based on your score, you get to buy a Crate and a Squire, or a Les Paul and a Triple Rectifier. If the Sonic Youth type guys liked your playing, they'd let you buy a Jazzmaster and a Vox.