I think I am with the OP that Gibsons just aren't for some people. I have tried numerous gibsons, both at GC, high quality guitar shops, and gibsons of people that I know, and I just can't really get myself to like them. There is just something off in the feel for me.
But on topic, Edwards and Heritage are really good. Hell, even the deluxe series LTD EC's that I have played I have liked better than most Gibson LPs that I have played (puts on flame suit)