You have posed a rather complex question. In my own personal experience, I have found that sound and playability, rank first and second. Depending on how the instrument is used, concert or for personal enjoyment, amplified or not, miked or not, size of the venue, I always want to hear what my instrument sounds as a member of the audience. I will often have a friend who plays, play my instrument while I sit in the listener's seat...it may make a difference in your instrument selection. I also find that certain guitars, play and sound better for certain pieces, thus I often have more than one instrument on stage with me. I have a great instrument that plays great and sounds fantastic...as long as you don't go down to the higher frets...so until I can have my guitar set-up do some work on the instrument, that instrument is relegated to certain pieces. You may have a great guitar and play really well, but who controls your sound, you or someone from the venue? Price may or may not be an indicator of quality...try a blind "taste" test...don't look at the price...play the different available instruments and select the one that suits you best. Each guitar, even in the same model is unique...find the "keeper" and hang on to it.
In all my years of active playing and turning over instruments, there are those "keepers", that I just won't part with...play many, keep a few...
Just a few thoughts... Hope they help.
Best Regards,
Upstate bob