I may be hijacking here, but it sounds like you're pretty wide open for suggestions, so here goes: I just got my son his first axe: a PRS Tremonit SE, and I have been absolutely stunned at how great an axe it is for the price! I would venture to say it is the best deal for the money anywhere in guitardom at the moment. No joke.
Buck62 and his beloved Ultramtic may have some stiff competition!
I have owned high end Gibson's, Fender's & Ibanez and I can tell you honestly nothing comes close to the PRS Tremonti SE. If I could just figure out how to get the Tremonti name off it without destroying it I would like it even better. But seriously, you cannot go wrong for < $400 IMHO. If I had to recommned one from your selection above I would get the Strat. That would give you the most versatility in recording.