Mark the 57Hotrod has a very similar neck to the Clapton guitars. I find its a bit of a best of both worlds guitar. The neck and middle positions are great for a traditional strat sound, but the bridge pickup roars when you want to solo. Not saying its your ideal guitar, but its worth trying. The 62HR is a great guitar too, its certainly a player and sounds wonderfull.

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No no and no

This is just a suggestion,
I think with your limited experience in playing Strats,and your evaluation of your skill at this time,that if you find one that feels good and sounds good,go with it....you will develop your skills naturally.
Any well set up Strat in the price range you're talking about will be fine and I think you will be happy with it.
I'm a blues player and after years and years of playing Strats,my scientific findings are ......after getting your chops down,you will be able to wail on most any Strat.