Schecter 7's are nice, but seeing your previous purchases, i'd go for a conklin 7 if you have the cash, or that siggery guy. if you're used to lead playing, one thing to check out is access to the really higher frets, i'm not one that absolutely needs a 24th fret other than tapping or to make bending the 22nd easier, but on my 7 string the 21-24 range feels a bit cramped. on my 8 string it's pretty hopeless to even try a scale run from the high 24th fret. for mega riffage however, the difference isn't so bad. string muting feels different that's for sure. and of course getting used to having a new string (I personally had alot of trouble hitting my D string the first few weeks i had my 7... it fixed itself with practicing :D)
i myself am gassing for a 9 string fan fret guitar ranging from low F# to a high A. but the quote i tried at conklin was over 9000$USD. yikes. i'll have plenty of time to be a killer player by the time i'm able to buy this thing!
be sure to post your NGD, you have some fine taste so far Lew!