Yes, the hunt is definitely part of the fun. That includes the research and then the searching. You can spend a lot of time on this. When you finally make your score, it's great having and looking at and playing your new guitar, but you're suddenly no longer researching and hunting for that guitar. This leaves a hole in what you've been doing for the past weeks or months. Sure, now you're enjoying and playing your new acquisition, but it's kind of a letdown when you're no longer on the hunt.
I guess the solution is to start researching and hunting for
another guitar.
Totally agree. As mentioned, even "good" condition at GC is not necessarily good, and the guitar probably needs work, if not significant work. Yes, their return policy is quite good. Even if you get the guitar from across the country, you can return it to your local GC and avoid the return shipping charges.
I bought a Gibson Songwriter Deluxe 12-string that was listed in "great" condition. It was indeed in great condition.... except for a major crack in the soundboard below the bridge. I don't know if it was like that or if it happened in transit, but I returned it to the local GC for a full refund. Of course, I would have preferred to have that guitar in great condition. It was a beauty. I'm still kind of bummed about that....