The 18-200 is a great consumer lens, and as a general holiday/family event lens, it's more useful than an 18-70,
It got one heck of a write up, and at least one new factory was opened just to accommodate world demand.
I have been waiting for a bargain. It started out at $600 odd, and went to $1,000 in no time. As orders were filled, it came back to the $600s again, but I seldom see anything under $590. 'My' 18 -70 at less than 200 would be a snip. Haven't looked at sterling prices.
It was all Ken Rockwell's fault. He said that he often doesn't bother taking anything but the 18 - 200. The world seems to listen to him.