Wow Andy!
Get off your high horse! So you're telling me that every guitar player that plays a Les Paul replica should be ashamed??? I can name Ibanez, ESP, Cort, Yamaha, PRS (Gibson tried to sue them and lost the case). These guitars are not trying to pass of their replicas as Gibson knock offs. They do not have Gibson on the headstock.
I have a Gibson Les Paul Standard and can honestly say that these Japanese hand made Tokai Loverocks completely blow the Gibson away in terms of build quality, attention to detail and playability.
You have no idea of any guitar player's personal situation and have absolutely no right in telling someone what they should be playing.
I really don't even know why I'm bothering to justify myself to someone who thinks that they can dictate to anyone about personal choice. I shouldn't even dignify your comments with a reply.
Go and pick a fight somewhere else!