Having had some, I look at endorsements a little differently. I don't view endorsement deals as a marketing ploy, but rather a partnership between artist and company. I remember talking with another bassist about this on the road. He endorsed Music Man basses and I Spector. We both played what we liked, and that was that. It's rare that these deals ever involve handouts and free stuff. Most of us believe in the stuff and made a partnership.
Really, why would anyone buy gear based on someone else's preferences? Unless you're the ultimate fan boy of someone and want to look like them, you should seek your own stuff. That's the problem I have with build to order companies like Kiesel (Carvin), is that someone built THEIR dream guitar, and it's not mine. In the end, find your own style.
...or buy a Razorback and play Pantera songs through your Dime full stack. Whatever.