I initially got it to try and make the best compromise between coverage and budget. For $750, it covers a lot of bases, and pretty darn well. It's also small and light, so you only need to carry it around to travel light. Once you taste the sugar and want more, the spending begins. Once you've spent, it becomes the versatile carry lens. I've even thought of getting a D40 just to make a small and light package for when I don't want to lug the boat anchor.
Look at the selling prices new and used since it came out. It's just now becoming available for list price of $749 from $900-1,000 used. That says volumes.