What year are the new EPIs that have good pups? Is this 2012 models? 2013?
I have never understood why some guitar companies insist on using 2nd rate pups when there are good, cheap pups available for not much money. I would pay $30 more for good pickups, instead
of buying the guitar and having to throw out the pups and wiring. Even if a company charged $100 more for better pups and wiring and a switch that doesn't soon break, it would be worth spending
$500 rather than $400, for example, and having great pickups and electronics.
I don't care about a fancy finish. The tone and playability is what is important. If the basic construction is similar between an Epi Dot and Gibson 335, than I agree it is not necessary
spending many times the price of an EPI. But, if one manages to get the $$$, there is nothing like getting a Gibson and not the clone. The Faded SGs are a bargain on the used market and new, too.
Fender hit a home run with the Squire pine teles that come with good pups, so it is possible to have good pups on a cheap axe. Some of the Mexican Strats have excellent pups.