Hello to my new favorite WIP.
Dude, this is awesome. Killer even. The slowdown makes this absolutely haunting, and I understand what you mean by not trying for an acousting guitar sound. During the first few seconds I didn't, but it clicked after that and I think it sounds very good.
The only two issues I have:
1) The choice of using a sax as lead. I by no means think it sounds bad; I was actually surprised by how much I liked it. With this type of mix and emotion however, a violin seems the better choice to me. Purely a style thing, and you may be using the sax just to avoid that style, but whatevs. I think a violin would rule so hard, especially considering the transition you later make to rock. The violin could back up the electric guitar and add some serious oomph. Which brings me to my other issue...
2) I LOVE the rock portion. But the segue to it bothers me; it's too sudden. If around that 2:25ish mark you could add another short section and allow the lead guitar to bubble up from underneath before it comes charging out, it would feel more like a transition of emotion rather than two good ideas that were sewn together for the sake of having a single song.
Just my opinions, and I'll gladly admit I'll be burning this onto a CD for my vehicle regardless of if you make these changes. Great work!