Just talking about what I have, these would be my preference:

1. 18-200VR. This is the worst-performing lens of the bunch - but not by much. If I look at a 8x10 inch print really closely then I can just about see a difference in sharpness. I try to use it between f8 and f11 where it's best. It's sharpest at the wideangle end and starts getting a little soft towards 200mm. The versatility offsets the slight loss in performance. When I don't have it I miss it

2. 16-85VR. Performnce is constant at all focal lengths and apertures. Plus it feels really solid, like the 28-70 f2.8

3. 28-70 f2.8 (10 years old, predecessor of the 24-70 f2.8). This lens has the best sharpness, colour, contrast and general look. But the difference with the others is slight. When I make a print it certainly doesn't stand out from the others. I use it in poor light when I need to freeze subject movement and avoid autofocus hunting. But it doesn't have VR which is a handicap in poor light with static subjects. Plus it's big, heavy, expensive, etc.