SmartWombat... you are awesome. I'd just like to start by saying that. Your post makes complete sense to me.

I have photos that don't show it, but they are not long explosure... I really didnt learn "how to" take those until this year, after I had it initially serviced, so I don't have any pre-service long exposure photos to compare it to.

I do think you've hit the nail on the head though.
...Guess I'll just deal with it (and scrimp & save my pennies) until I get a DSLR.

And thank you Another View for your input as well! I put this on a few other photo forums, this has been the most helpful so far.