QC is lower with the MIM fenders but that just means you have to play 10 times the number of USA made fenders to get the right one. FWIW, you will also find some surprising luck with Squier these days. For less money you often get more guitar. If you can find a Tokai from the late 70's early 80's you'll also be in luck, as well as a number of other fender designs from the 80's (schechter, ESP)...but I'm sure this discussion could go on for days (It's been going on for years around the internet). $500 could get you a great used guitar and with enough patience a real gem of a starter axe.