so, first off, thanks for all the suggestions...
i investigated each and every one...

after much anal-retentiveness, i finally tried installing a Dimarzio DP212 EJ pickup. excellent!!! all the biting treble i was looking for- plus an awesome low-mid thickness i was not expecting but got REALLY REALLY excited about!

also, added a Death By Audio Soundsaw pedal to the mix. it has done WONDERS! i just put it in the chain after my Harmonic Percolator copy and BANG! the SOUND!!!! now i NEVER turn it off!!
i just switch bewteen the 2 channels for 'lead' or 'rhythym'. great stuff!

i also changed my amp setup...
i used to just use an HH IC100- but now i split the signal to go to the HH and a 1974 Fender Princeton 'silverface'. i turn both amps at about equal volume and have the soundguy mic each one and pan them at like 10:00 and 2:00.

so for now, i'm loving every minute of playing.
very close to perfection....

anyway- there you go! if you're still interested...

thanks again for all the help!

best,
-Darren.

so you actually liked that pickup. great. i considered buying it but after Adam CR comments, well..
i'm a single coil guy actually and i love my tele more and more everyday.