Decisions:

For you who saw my last post about my dilemma upon which lens to purchase next, I have reached a clear solution. I will not be getting any of the three lenses that I posted!! After some refinement in my idea about photography, learning which technologies accomplish what results, and realizing what I have the most fun in shooting, I have decided upon TWO separate lenses (...which surprisingly add up to less than the 24mm f/1.4 fixed focal length lens I mentioned as one of my options in my last lens post!)

I have realized that 2 things I really have a grand time shooting are: scenery (and other scenic shots that cover a lot of space), and macrophotography (taking pictures of small things, or details of larger things VERY close up). SO, I will be needing a wide angle lens, and a macro lens. After much research and trying out different glass, here's what I decided upon:

[i] 16-35mm f/4

Although compared to the 14-24mm f/2.8 wide angle zoom I posted about last time, this lens loses 2 or 3 wider aperture numbers, and 2mm at it's widest zoom range, I think that it has some shining advantages:

-About $800 less than the other lens
-Zooms up to 35mm instead of 24mm (buying you a few steps in a pinch on the street)
-FAR smaller and lighter
-Less awkward shape (zoom ring and focus ring feel more naturally oriented)
-No bulging front glass element = less opportunity for damage to the front of the lens
-Accepts a standard 77mm professional filter (allowing for the mounting of a protective UV filter)
-Vibration Reduction Mk. II reduces handshake and vibration from vehicles or speakers (imagine shooting at a concert with 28" subwoofers blasting, messing up your image quality)

[ii] 105mm f/2.8 Macro

As I said, taking pictures of tiny things was like an instant realization for me; so I think this lens is absolutely necessary (other lenses aren't programmed or designed to focus on such small details). Attractive features of this lens are:

-Focusing as close as 12 inches away
-Long focal length brings out extreme detail and creates BEAUTIFUL blurred backgrounds at wide apertures
-Wide opening of f/2.8 makes it useful for low light or portrait use as well
-Also has second generation Vibration Reduction technology
-Internal lens focusing doesn't elongate the lens AT ALL when coming into focus (important when you are so close to your subject)

Both of these lenses run fairly reasonable costs compared to my 3 previous options, and offer identical build quality, as well as having PERFECT scores on all the professional websites I have visited (out of many many reviews).
Oh, and they both graduated valedictorian from reputable college primer schools. And yes, their speeches were flawless, if not slightly 'Miss America'.

For world peace. ;)