My questions:
1. What exactly are Norlin-era SGs? I know of Baldwin-era Gretsches and those are seen as inferior models. Are Norlins viewed as inferior?
The Norlin company purchased Gibson in 1969, Norlin was a South American brewing conglomerate, E.C.L. who later changed their name to Norlin. Yes Norlins are typically known as crappy.
2. Anything particular to Norlin SGs, like that crazy control panel and different finishes?
Yes. Anything at all that seems odd, was probably Norlin. Norlin's had larger headstocks, small block inlays on standards instead of the typical trapezoid. Just Google 70's SG's and you'll see a ton of whacked out things Norlin did.
3. Why would a guy have a preference for Norlin SGs over the regular ones? Do they offer something different, something special?
They offer price. You can get a 70's Norlin SG on egay for 400-800 bucks, most of the time or 1,000-1,400 for the more popular models.
4. Does the fact that the player Justin Sullivan is from some small town in England account for his buying of Norlins...in other words, were they flooded into one market?
No. Every Gibson made between 1969 and 1986 was manufactured under Norlin ownership, so any person on the face of the planet that has a Gibson made within those years has a Norlin era Gibson.