I wouldn't be too quick to trash the idea of an Epiphone, solid or acoustic. If it's solid and has a set neck, and if it's acoustic with a full heel and solid top, there are some really nice ones out there. The Epi LPs that I've seen/played have been pretty decent instruments for the money, and some have been better than the entry level Gibsons. I have owned Korean and Japanese Tokais that were good, but also had some QC problems. If the new Elite Epis are really being made by the folks at the Japanese Orville plant, they will be an excellent guitar line. I think that the Japanese are religious about "doing it right", while the American products are more hit and miss on quality. The Koreans are fast catching up, and I own a couple magnificent LP copies made there. The people that "have" to own a Gibson won't be happy with less than a Gibson. The guy with $500 to spend might be well served with an Epi or Dillion, or Korean Tokai. I think the stockbrokers and doctors can have the Historic series for $3000 and up... but the average player (read: not wealthy) can get a great workable clone for MUCH less.
(My $.02)
(My $.02)