This is definitely a very nice lens, I'd like to have it, but cant afford it.

Fortunately I had the money to purchase the 55-300mm before the new price. Not from SRS, though, as they were out of stock. But they were my first choice. With the new prices things will change and I bet many people will start looking at the States or elsewhere for their purchases. Too bad for SRS.
I'm sorry you guys had to take the flak for the price increase, its not fair, but unfortunately you are in the line of fire. Plus your human face to the business (otherwise very good 4 business) makes you a prime target. People feel they can't talk to big corporations.

Although you are going with the market, you don't need to be mean about it.
Only £439 for a FA 50mm F1.4

Idem (minus 1 "it" ).

With a growing lens collection, in size if not in quality , I am bound to get a backpack. However, for now and for the future I think a sling bag is great.
I currently have 2 sling bags, a crumpler pretty boy L (cool looking bag but small) and a larger sling bag where I can fit the body plus 5 lenses and some bits. I've been using this one more lately because I've been carrying larger/more lenses.
I'll admit its easy to reach things, but its a pain to carry.

I'm now in the market for a Kata 3n1-20 sling bag, its a sling bag that doubles as a backpack, its better for your back and it also provides easy access to gear. Its damn expensive though

Are you insane, you want to open another can of worms...
(For those who dont know this is also another disputed issue)

How come this develops such an argument? Shouldnt we save our passion for camera brand discussions?

My argument is that we cannot rigidly say that a lens has bad bokeh or good bokeh. There is bokeh that works well and bokeh that does not work for a certain photograph. In that sense, the same lens can produce good and bad shots, bokeh wise.

Now, the majority prefers silky smooth bokeh, hence they will deem the lenses that deliver such a bokeh as better. My point is that one should not make that a rigid stance.

I knew that Pentax made spotting scopes as well, but telescopes?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pentax-105SDP-Refractor-Telescope_W0QQitemZ130315312959QQc...

I'm sure there's a way to adapt this to a DSLR, right?

I think its something that can work for ppl living in the same town, when they can meet often and develop trust.

I thought about this as well.
I see so many ppl lusting for some lenses, it seemed a good idea for guys who are comfortable trusting each other, they could form a coop to buy lenses. Basically form their one lens borrowing service.
Not an easy deal though...

I also came out Pentaxian, but what the heck is this:
"A strong believer in your brand but always living in the shadow of you big brothers, doomed to wander in their footsteps taking pictures that have already been taken."
Whatever...