i was weary about the cost of an st 80 also. but, i've never held one or played one. i thought about spending several hundred more and getting a custom shop relic strat because ive played them.
then, i bought an st 80(real recently), and i am very glad i did. the craftmenship is unreal. especially the neck and body. i'm going to buy another one when time is right.
they are better than new strats and as good or better than custom shop fenders. and still less expensive. st 80 is a beautiful guitar and plays/sounds great.
i say worth $1500