Welcome again, Jon. We'll forgive one typo but that's it! Just kidding. I did enjoy your Elan photos.
As Dave says, your string question has as many answers as people who respond. Personally, I use 45 - 105 Dean Markley Blue Steels. The main reason for those gauges is simply that's what I've grown accustomed to over time. The Blue Steels I picked because I like the feel, they stay in tune, and they sound good.
Sam