'Chops' don't matter in a shop. You are playing for an audience of one - you. See if the bass feels right and works for you. Buying a bass should never be interrupted by feelings of inadequacy. Go for it and enjoy what's out there.
I follow your exact line of thought. Just read your review of the Peterson and enjoyed it. Brought back memories as I had one when they first came out.
Luckily for me, I'd been working for a decade by then and the band was playing regularly, so I spent a lot on musical gear. I now look at Aston Martin dealerships with the 'ogle' you mention.
Probably. I used a Roland bass synth as my main gigging bass for a few years in the 80's. (Bought it from Jack Bruce as well!) Here's the proof back in the day.