I have a JV Squier that had the raised pole pieces on the factory pups (‘Twas the done thing back in the day, apparently) - drove me mad! Swapped for Toneriders. Very happy.
I think the people you play with have a big impact. I’ve been fortunate to play with some really great people (drummer in particular) and it just levels me up immediately. Then I go jam with some plod-alongs, and my skills nosedive!
Also interested in the answers. Asked a bloke in a music shop about a file set 20-odd years ago. He said it was cheaper just to pay for a set up.
50 basses later… 🤦🏻♂️