It doesn't matter what you get. If you get an SE now, you will eventually want to explore the S2 line, perhaps a Mira or a Starla. (Semi-hollow Mira is really tempting!)
If you get an S2 now, you will be curious about an inexpensive experiment via a used SE like a ZM, Akerfeldt, Orianthi or plain-old SE CU24.
And no matter what happens, you will find a way to save up and get a Core model - maybe a used one, but you'll find one.
But to start? Well, you said you want a nice finish. Check out the S2s on a site like Sweetwater, where you can see the actual serial number you will be buying. Some of the S2s have a pretty nice finish! If those don't quite do it for you, then look at the SEs: they have some stellar finishes, and the flame/quilt-maple veneer isn't really "paper-thin" (but it isn't solid like a core model). Looking at the spalted top of my SE ZM, I would say the veneer is about 1/32" thick. I would assume (bad idea?) that the veneer is similar on a non-spalted quilt/flame top SE.
Or, just go to GC or some other store that actually has PRSi in stock, and buy the one that sings to you!