interesting, I'd like to think you're right. I dropped my 50mm last night, and it broke in two pieces. Nearly cried. Before it broke was thinking of getting 17-40. Maybe, i'll consign my 50mm to history and get the 17-40 instead. if i'm really honest did find it's limitations when shooting video, though it isn't meant to be a workhorse lens
I have a 50mm 1.8 and although it's got great sharpness and dof it's just too long for the majority of shots I want. I have since got a 35mm 2.0 and is perfect for my crop sensor, the 50 hadn't been back on since.