I can't help really, I splashed out £580 (more than your price in $) and went for the 24-70
My logic was exactly yours, I didn't want to buy the lens I really wanted later after buying a Sigma or something

Then I've dropped it out of my photovest pocket in the pit lane at Silverstone.
I've unbent the zoom ring (it landed on the hood) and it still seems to work !
But after the World Touring Car Championship this weekend, and a Karting race in Frnce next weekend ... it'll be a while before my kit goes in to Canon for checking.