I have a 2002 Historic 63 block; it's a GREAT guitar! Lots of sustain and bottom-end. I've kept it all original; don't see any reason to change a thing. Only drawback, if there is one, is the neck is on the slim side(typical for 335 reissues). I like it more than any Historic DOT reissue I've owned.
......a little difficult to keep in tune out live......
Have you had that looked at? Strange to have tuning difficulties on a guitar that is essentially EXACTLY the same set up from tuner to stop TP as a Les Paul or 80% of Gibson guitars.
You must have a binding nut causing you problems.