Really you need to read a bit more then, John...a quote from your buddy! THAT sir, is a Canon troll If you need this length and TSE features (the only reason to by this type of lens) the solution is to either return it to the store for replacement or send it for repair.
My sample is superb, but the first sample of the 90 TSE was not as good and was replaced with excellent one.
Poor samples are fact of life, but Canon has always been helpful unlike Nikon which service was always abysmal. That’s why I stay with Canon.
you need to read a bit more then, John...a quote from your buddy! 
THAT sir, is a Canon troll 