Great thread. I had a 2003 330 Blue Boy with Hi Gains (now sold) and have a 2013 360 Mapleglo with Toasters.
To give my view on some of the points raised:
1) Hi Gains - the spec changes over the years. I don't have an exact timeline to hand but I know that post 2007 they are relatively modest output and not a million miles away from Toasters in sound. My 2003 330 had high output Hi Gains and they were awful - impossible to eq in a live mix and too feisty to get that classic Ric sound. I think late 70s and 80s Hi Gains (Marr, Buck etc) are in the main OK, but best to get a reading if you're thinking of buying from that era.
2) Toasters - My 360 had nice sounding Hi Gains but I got the chance to buy a set of Toasters at around half price. They are definitely a good-sized step in the right direction for the classic Beatles/Who/Byrds sound (which is what I'm after). They also sound great with fuzz, crunchy drive etc I've noticed that they do darken up with volume - i.e rehearsal/gig volumes vs home. So I decided I needed a....
3) Janglebox - if you
really want to nail those 60's sounds it's essential. Sounds bizarre on its own, sounds glorious in a band mix.
4) Mastery Bridge - I didn't know they did a Rick one! Is there a really noticeable difference? If so,. I'm in!
One day I will get a 12-string