Re: Tele Or Strat?
It's a really tough choice. They're both part of the same family and have a similar vibe to an outsider, but just like any family, hang out with them enough and you'll start seeing the not so subtle differences.
I personally prefer a Stratocaster because I feel like it's the cooler, faster, young sister. It's sleeker and it fits my body real nice. The Tele's a bit like the older, more unforgiving and no nonsense older sister. Bit rougher around the edges, but just as fun. The Strat opens up more alleys for sonic exploration, specially with the vibrato and the extra pickup positions, but I find most players don't really take advantage of that so it'd be almost the same if they played a Tele. I like the Strat's neck pickup way more, but I like the Tele's bridge pickup way more too. If you've already owned a Strat and had it for a while, then try seeing if someone can lend you a Tele for a couple of days and give it a shot.
I just love the Strat. It's like a spaceship with hot rod cues. The Tele's more like a utilitarian slab of wood. Both have pleased generations of badass guitar players.