I played a show last July with my Epiphone last year with a nationally known Christian Band. The only guy who said anything about it was another Epi player who said he was glad he wasn't the only guy "sluming it" I told him if I was sluming it I would have pulled out my Hondo All Star and gorilla amp.
I met some kids after the show, they wanted to know why ever band played the same guitar. (all 5 bands had guys that played Les Pauls, either Epi or Gibson)
If you want the name brand then pay for it, but remember 95% of the people out there won't know or care if it's a Gibson or Epiphone. The other 5% that will are other guitar players who will think you suck even if your playing a Gibson personally approved by Jimmy Page and Slash.
If all your bank account will let you get is an Epiphone and you like it, then buy it and play it with pride. We all know you can do a whole lot worse for a lot more money. Besides guitars are like women, if you find one that makes you happy don't let your friends tell ya you can do better. Chances are they're the ones that can do better.
It's just my opinion, but its right for me.