Hope you aren't taking it the wrong way. The music store where I sometimes hang is full of gear snobs. Some were busy crapping about Strats when I was buying mine. Classy. :p

[EDIT]
I think the issue with the Squier Strat was the neck. It has a poly coating not the satin finish the Fender Strat has. I found I stuck to it :D Sound-wise, I still might even have a preference for the Squier, so it's not a brand thing. :)

Anyway, my Dad loves it, and says he plays it every day.