If I am remembering correctly the 60's lacquer moves the tremolo to get a sharper break angle? I have found if the Jazzy/Jag is set up right there's no reason for buzz stops, moving things, etc. Feels like they are fixing a non-issue. That being said, the 60's road worn seem to be a really nice bang for the buck guitar.
To be honest, in the same budget vein, I think the J Mascis Squire and MIJ's are fantastic.
I'd look hard for a MIJ and swap out electronics. Yeah, poly finish, but also sub $1k for a quality guitar. It's just the electronics that need love.
Keep hunting for an AVRI? This is a decent price: https://reverb.com/item/2614904-fender- ... r-sunburst When they are not at retail shops and on local craigslists, I've seen used AVRI's go for like $1200.
Looking for high gain, I'd also look real close for one of the sonic youth guitars. The Lee Ronaldo come stock with WRHB's. I built a parts guitar a year ago with Novak WRHB's and they are a favorite.
Those gold thin skins are gorgeous. I keep wanting to get one and throw a gold guard on there.
The other high gain P'ups for Jazzy's that interest me are the Novak P180's as well as his boosted bridge P'ups.
Again, you can assemble a parts guitar with top shelf components for well below the thin skin prices. You can find parts guitars for $1k, usually with good stuff in them if you search for a while. Get a light weigh body from Guitarmill or MJT if you want Nitro, Warmoth if you want Poly finish. I think Musikraft makes a nice neck, and I know others have had good luck with Warmoth necks.
I'd join up at OSG.com and get enough posts to get on the B/S/T. Some great stuff over there.