Thanks for all of your input guys, to be honest I think I'd pretty much talked myself out of the whole Ricky thing at the moment -even though I've now convinced Mrs Thor actually they do look kinda sexy. I think it's more of a fashion statement (and have also had the boys in the band pushing me towards getting a Ric as they're considered uber- cool), I'd also be concerned over losing quite a few quid if/when they ever go out of fashion.
I'd actually forgotton that I'd borrowed a 4001 from a mate of mine probably around 12 or so years ago and can really relate to the comment of having to work really hard on a set that i would usually cruise through, I found that the painted neck really did cause for a lot of drag particularly when getting a bit enthusiastic - mind you I was a lot younger and obviously much less skilled/adept at playing then too (not that I'm terribly gymnastic/skilled now mind you!), and also that it did sound kinda flat compared to my regular Jazz at the time (probably down to lack of tweaking/familiarising myself with the guitar before hand).
I do love the sound of Bruce Foxton's/Geddy Lee's playing, but of course they quite often played a Jazz (Geddy is the god of the Jazz IMHO), and that's the sound I strive for so I do think I'm Fender through & through.
I've recently agreed to sell my Warwick Streamer Stage 1 5 string (about as exotic as i have been) to another user on here, so I think i shall take my time and play a few guitars and see what takes my fancy, I'm certainly looking forward to trying out the'51.
I suppose the fact that I've always done quite well financially with the Fenders also has some minor bearing on the matter too! (Although for me it's all about tone, tone & tone and ease of playability)
Once again, thanks for all of the input - a nice even balance of for & against - Cheers and a Very Happy & Prosperous New Year to all.