This is my Michael Kelly, she cost me about 550€ (I'm guessing that would translate to about that amount in USDs in the US) and I'm being completely honest when I say that I wouldn't trade her for ten Gibsons.
I REALLY like her.
Now, like I said, the Tempest, the Solo-6, the Idol, all of them are top notch guitars (and not just for the money), it's just that, in my case, the Patriot Limited had all the characteristics I found desirable in an LP while at the same time had all the (IMO) improvements I wanted over the original. Your mileage may vary.
I would again strongly suggest you go out and try a couple of each, see which you'll like the best, then get that. No names, no shapes, recognizable or otherwise, just see what you like