I want to thank each and everyone of you for your valued input into this
thread to help me. I really felt that you're were looking out for me, even though I haven't met you yet. As a result of all this great wealth of information, you have not only helped me, but will serve to help others as well.
I think I even wore some of you'll out! I hope your digits aren't numb from lengthy multiple responses some of you'll made! You know who you are... Wavytone, Starkler (Geoff) and Astro 77. A very big thankyou to you guys.
I decided to go for the Pentax XW 10mm and am excitedly waiting delivery. I got it second hand for $300, so was only $100 above budget (did I say "only?"). By the way, second hand Pentax XW's are hard to find second hand! Seems no one wants to part with them. After digging up the whole internet, I found only just one. And what a small world it is - because I know the person! How amazing is that?!