No surprise, but because of my studio work and writing-to-order, I need conceivably, possibly, any guitar sound that ever got made and perhaps then some. So I have a Line 6 M13 with the expression pedal in the effects loop of my amp, and some computer-based amp/FX software, and a couple of direct boxes, and few front end effects (boost, comp, OD), and a stupid Variax 500 that's a great tool in a pinch.
But for the thing I'm trying to make into Art? I'm trying to be like Robben Ford (my new Short Duration Personal Savior): Guitar -> boost -> OD -> amp, with a touch of verb in the loop. If the amp didn't sound so damn good with the booster on, I'd ditch that, too.