We seem to have covered the price discussion...
I would say play as many guitars as you can and pick the one that feels and sounds the best to you regardless of the manufacturer.
I'm playing a "wait and see" game with Gibson. I've played quite a few Les Pauls. When I was finally in the market to get a real Les Paul I played a ton and bought the one I liked the best. It turned out what I really bought was the one I disliked the least. I kept that guitar for about 4 years, but rarely played it. It was gorgeous to look at and it sounded great, but ......
So, whether you get a Gibson Les Paul (of any level) or a PRS 594 (of any level) or anything else, buy the one you REALLY want. Don't buy the one that makes you say, "I've always wanted a Les Paul, and this one is the best of the bunch I played." Buy the one that makes you say, "I REALLY love this. If I don't buy it and someone else does I'm going to regret it."
To me, the big advantage PRS has over Gibson is that (at this point) I will gladly purchase a PRS based on photographs alone. The PRS consistency and attention to detail is so good I'm very comfortable that I know I'm going to get (at worst) a REALLY good guitar. But I played a TON of PRS guitars and got a feel for how I connected with these instruments before I reached this level of comfort. I won't do this with a Gibson.
Since everything you're looking at is local, put your hands on them and play them and let your senses and your experience make your choice.
I will also, make a final plug..........The new PRS 594 core models are really something else. Every one I've picked up has been FANTASTIC; every one. I honestly don't know if the "pixie dust" from the core models carries over into the S2 line becuase I haven't tried an S2 594. However, 2020 (late 2019 forward) 594s are really special and I if you can get one (I KNOW they're expensive) I would do it. I have a feeling we'll be talking about this specific run of PRS guitars for YEARS. They really are that good; like 1959 - 1961 Les Paul good.
Enjoy the search. It's FUN!!!!!