It sounds like you have already figured it out. Lighter gauge will certainly help with speed and bends etc.. Some guitarist like heavier strings because they have more sustain such as SRV. Billy Gibbons started using unwound G strings when He found out BB King used unwound Gs and still had great tone. Lighter strings will be easier on the hands in the long run especially if you are a speed player. Sustained can be increased by overdrive and compression pedals. Much of the tone involves the hands of the player and yes, a good tube amp coupled with the right guitar.