If you see interviews with the top US studio musicians they all seem to prefer and use pre CBS P basses as their first choice in the studio. These guys live in a world where every nuance in their playing is analysed to the nth degree. It's an environment that we will never experience and, looking in from the outside, would find difficult to understand, so if they all think they can find that something extra in a pre CBS bass then I'll believe them.
In my world that type of "finesse" isn't required. I got a couple of compliments on Saturday, which meant more to me than any perfect note I could have played on an all original 57 P bass. If I was playing a Squier I would have been just as chuffed.
Comparisons based on price aren't helpful. If anyone can find a great sounding Squier, if all you can afford is a Squier, if all you aspire to is a Squier, buy it and play it till it falls apart. Spend what you save on lessons or down the pub, but striving to be the best player you can be doesn't depend on the instrument.
I tried to get back on topic!