Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience! Out of curiousity, do you recommend the HSS specifically because of the humbucker? Also, since you didn't mention a Telecaster, do you think the Strat does a better job of spanning styles, as you say, than the Tele?
Again, from my research, this question looks to be as old as time and we don't need to rehash it here. I'm just curious about your experience since it sounds like you have a few guitars.
Re Strats. HSS over SSS, yes. Having a humbucker in the bridge, preferably coil split or dry switchable offers greater versatility if your want to rock across those two decades and beyond. The original vibrato bridge vs a hardtail bridge is neither here nor there for a majority unless specifically wanting to use classic tremolo in their sound or genre. Look around here and on You Tube et al and note how many people play Strats with the bridge locked down and trem arm unattached today. A discernible majority, especially in incipient learning years.
The classic Tele SS config is still an acceptably versatile guitar. You can get them in a multitude of alternative PU configs today. Personally I like Teles a lot. I have two. I wouldn't be without one. That said, my recommendation for the HSS Strat as a first and only stands, but if you choose to buy a Tele it'll do what you want it to. It's definitely not a bad decision any more than choosing any quality built and properly set up guitar is, providing it is a good physical fit with your individual charateristics. If lusting for a Tele, just make sure check the tone and output of the pickups of the particular model you choose will meet your expectations.
That said I'm a head over heart buyer. That works for me. There's heart involved, but I let impulse rule and tend to keep and enjoy what I buy. YMMV.
I've played more, but my experience with electrics I've chosen to buy over that time and currently own.
Electrics
Strat style x4, x3 HSS. (x1 mod H Seymour TB-4), x1 OEM original YGD (G&B), x1 Custom HSS Seymour, x1 HS(P90) (mod H Seymour B-14) standard scale
LP style HH x1 mod (Seymour TB-4 & '59n) short scale
Tele style SS x2 standard scale Manson alnicos PUPs, & Wilkinson alnicos
Revstars x3, x2 HH & x1 SS (x2 P90) All YGD PUPs short scale
ES-335 style HH short scale Ibanez Super 58 PUPs
Gretsch G5232T HH (twangy BlackTop Filtertrons) short scale
Bass, modern style standard scale, passive PJ
GL. Whichever you choose, enjoy it. First electric is pretty exciting.
