I'd go for a japanese made LP for that money and that sound. Look at "Orville by Gibson" guitars which are real gibsons, with real gibson parts, just made to much higher standards in japan. They have all the right wood, all the right shaped body, headstock etc. Your friend will be impressed and if he's not he's an ignorant penis. It'll obviously do all the sleaze yu can think of (its a Les Paul...what slash played), and post hardcore just won't be a problem with the right BKP in there- a nailbomb? In fact, Chris George of the marshall band (i don't know if you've ever seen him play?) has a Les Paul with nailbombs and he just about nails the sound that i think you're going for. Hope that was some help at least...
Only thing that might be a problem is the thickness of a neck. Being an Ibanez guy, les paul necks are a whole lot bigger, but nevertheless, i always seem to get used to them after a few minutes, and it realy is nothing to fret about (get it>?? it was actually unintentional) changing neck sizes. you'll adapt easy... If you don't you could always get the neck shaved?
