Re: So it's probably time I got a Les Paul. Recommendations?
My advice?
Don't force yourself to like a Paul, or even own one. I made the mistake of assuming that I needed a 'paul to round out my collection, tried a buttload, and even walked out of the shop with one, but ultimately I realised I'd been impressed "for a paul", and not because it was a guitar I really wanted to live with. I took it back immediately.
Your situation may be different, but I don't see why you'd need a paul, and only a paul, to get a parts horse...