Like I said you’re there to keep punters happy, help beer to sell and go home with some cash. If you want to play Rush for your own satisfaction then rent a rehearsal room because given a choice between Rush and Mustang Sally / S3x on fire most punters will vote for the former option with their feet
I’d start with some adhesive copper tape
keep your eye on eBay - I picked up some fender geddy lee pickups for £8 because the clown selling them set them to finish at 4am.
Opinions differ - I personally think beyond about beyond £350 it becomes more about habit / cachet / vanity w hen it comes to real world usability unless you’re a god
a squier classic vibe is totally useable for almost anything IMHO beyond that it’s a bit pointless