No worries. I can understand the money issues. The
JS100 is better than a mexican strat, IMO, and will suit you fine. At the end of the day, if the guitar makes you smile when you play it, it's great. I was merely speakin from my own upgrading guitar experience.
For me, it paid to spend more on a top grade instrument. After getting a better bridge, pickups, etc. I still couldn't get past some of the issues my lesser priced guitars had and I wanted something better. I got a JS1200 and have been tremendously happy with it. That's just my experience. Good luck with the upgrades and I hope they work out for you.