That is quite a jump in db's unamplified, I would say in my limited knowledge of this stuff! I'd love to hear some clips too. I don't really play metal but I used to. I still listen to some now and then. I've fallen in love with early 70's funk in a big way these days!
I just play my Feline now, I don't tend to think of all the spec in it anymore, I just love the way it plays and sounds! I had it in the studio today doing these fills on low gain, neck pickup, with a Phaser, Small amount of Reverb and a Wah. It sounded really cool I thought. I've found since I've been rehearsing every Sunday for the past 6 odd months, I'm more into the sounds and arrangements than gear. Which is really what it should be like. I'll have to get some recordings down myself. Like you say though it does take a long time, getting sounding the way you like it. The more you learn about sound the more options you have!
Good luck with your new custom guitar Mark! :D