So here is the latest update in the squeak that wouldn't die thread…
Earlier this week I took a video of my squeaky lens next to a brand new 24-70 at my local can shop. Zoomed them both in/out and was able to clearly show squeak vs. no squeak. I sent the lens into canon for the 3rd time and provided a link to the video. I also kindly told them again, that this was not a 'normal mechanical sound,' as neither when my lens when new(er), nor with the new 24-70 in the video was the squeak present. Moreover, I re-iterated that the squeak made video a PITA, which is a basic function of the lens. Blah blah blah… with a few tears mixed in.
Long story short, told Canon that if they can not/will not repair the lens, I do not want it back. New copy, credit, box of whitman chocolates, no matter to me - just don't want to deal with squeaky anymore and get the run around. Don't have the time to take on evil empires like I used to. Zeiss is looking very tempting about now. Pick your poison I suppose…
I'll keep you all posted.