As far as the Vox and Fuzzface compression question is concerned, it will all depend how you set the pedal and the amp. The AC30 can be quite clean and chimey, so I don't see a huge problem. The only thing that is sort of not clear to me is that the tone you are using as a reference comes from EL34 tubes and EL84s in most amps (unless it was designed as a low wattage marshall) will sound different. Also, I find AC30s to be picky with what kind of pedals they work well with.
The vintage modern are great amps, and I think, will get you closer. The dual gain knobs should allow you to dial the right amount of grit in. One thing to keep in mind is that JB runs the amps pretty loud. A lot of the tone you hear comes from the power tubes working hard and not so much preamp tubes.
Another thing with JB's sound is the choice of speaker. Can't remember if the Borderline "era" was still using EV speakers (300 watts each) or if it was during his "return to vintage marshall cabs with greenbacks" period. Someone here will be able to clarify.
I still think that some patience, saving money, and selling some gear, then purchasing a Silver Jubilee or a clone in combo format with a EV speaker will still be your best bet. Then put a regular tubescreamer and a fuz face, and you will be in JB land. It took me years to figure this out and near bankruptcy. If I had been pateint and bought the "right" gear for what I wanted to hear, it would have saved me lots of financial grief, and avoided the perennial gear musical chairs.
Another thing is to change the speaker on the Fender amp you have, buy a sound shield (so you can crank the clean channel) and with a tube screamer and fuzz face it should get you there. Also you can get excellent results with the hotrods and an upgraded tube set. Michael Landau uses those hot rod amps live and he sounds killer. I think he only upgraded the speakers.
Here is a guy who sells a variety of recipes of tubes to get different tones out of your hotrod amp:
http://www.eurotubes.com/store/pc/viewC … ategory=94
Also, Fender amps are usually cold biased. You may want to just upgrade tubes, speaker, and have the amp properly biased.
Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars: 2x 1962 LPs , 02 FB VII, 76 Electra Omega, 64 SG Special, 63 LP Jr, 73 LPC
Effects: Van Weelden ROD