My first guitars, both acoustic and electric, were Gibson.
Granted, they were used guitars but they were affordable. When it came time that I wanted to buy my own new guitar, I couldn't afford a new Gibson even back then in the mid-80s. A buddy of mine had purchased a used Carvin DC160 that played great, so I started looking at Carvin. I bought my own DC160, Carvins top-of-the-line guitar, for something like $869 w/case & shipping included. I couldn't have touched a new Gibson even back then for that. I think the Les Paul Studios of that era were roughly the same price, but that was about it.
What 15-16 year old these days could even afford a used Gibson, at today's used prices? Let alone save up for their first brand spankin' new Guitar?