Well, that's why I mentioned it (because of Tom's involvement). I like brighter pickups and running the amp darker, because it brings out the harmonic complexity easier. Much easier to subtract than add what isn't there. What EJ has always done (and Holdsworth).
Yes. If you want a budget Holmes (and they are spectacular pickups) the old Gibson 57 Classic + is wonderful. I've heard the new ones don't sound as good -- they changed the wire evidently -- but I've had one since my AR guy got me one in '89 or so.
Higher (slightly) than the PAF, and with a stronger magnet. The actual output in milliamps is greater than the slight difference in resistance suggests.
The fact that the two guitars, and the two pickups found therein, couldn’t be more different yet get a very similar sound show the importance of the amp in that equation.