I understand what you mean. I've bought a few things over the years I really wanted, but turned out less than exciting--a Ric being one of them. Kept it a few years and traded it for a very nice Regenerate Heritage Plus Extreme (very modern take on a '55 Pbass). Best trade I think I ever made. But I'm glad I gave the Ric a shot. You never know till you do. MusicMan SR was another. Really nice. Just not me.
About the only thing I really would like to own is a vintage NR. Other than that, there' really isn't anything on my wish list. I am intrigued by the Epi JC, however, and might do it if I run a cross a great deal.
What Epi are you thinking of? I'm really impressed with my VP. Well made and sound good. I tried one when in Nashville early this year and my wife held it while I was changing basses. I was playing an Embassy and she she grabbed a VP and before she got it to me to try she said, "This is much better." Not that that the Embassy was bad--just that the VP was noticeably better.