I have had several LP's, including one of the "chambered" ones. I sold the chambered because it lacked the punch of the others (which had the swiss-cheese holes). Coincidence? Mabye.
Excellent question! I have often wondered the same thing - why the "faster" neck claims? Once I discovered LP's and the '50's neck profile there was no going back for me. I find the thicker neck profile much more comfortable, and there's no change in how easy/difficult, fast/slow my playing...
I have a GOTW #34 I am thinking of selling. It has some serious upgrades, too: PLEK fret adjustment/dressing (big improvement over the factory job) and full pro set-up, RS upgrade electronics assembly (calibrated CTS pots, Hoveland caps), a new set of Grover Rotomatic tuners professionally...
I have one that's for sale. The sale price is above your price range, but you might find that the added upgrades are worth it.
Here's the link; FDP - Classifieds
I can put the stock tuners back in and adjust the price for the change, if you want to do that.
Thanks