Fender Stratocaster--Need some advice!!!?

I was going to say get the American Standard because thats a great price. However, after I read the rest of your Q, I'd go with an even cheaper MIM than the surf green one. You have to be sure you're in it for real before you plop down that kinda money. MIM's resale are crappy. That surf green MIM (as a re-sale) in my town would go for absolutely no more than $300 on craigslist... maybe a little less. The Blackie will hold it's value better because you're getting a killer deal on it. However, if it were me, I'd buy the cheapest MIM Strat I could find (I've seen a few at GC for $399-$449), a little better amp than that Vibro Champ, and still have a bit of $ left for stuff. The MIM Strat will re-sell for about the same no matter whether its a plain one or a pretty one. The less you're in it for, the better. If you stick with it, you can always upgrade down the line.