My final verdict, after spending some money after making the decision, as opposed to speculating on what I might have done was the DA*200.
The reasons for... it can be used in a 2 lens combo with my 18-135.
It's lighter than any competing zoom, by a considerable margin.
ƒ2.8 is ƒ2.8, and an ƒ2.8 lens has an advantage over an ƒ4 lens for low light focusing, and it can be considerable.
The DA*200 2.8 is 280mm ƒ4 with the 1.4 TC, almost identical to the 300 ƒ4, but the 300 ƒ4 can never be ƒ2.8.
With the stacked HD DA 1.4 TC and F 1.7x AF adapter acting as an focus limiter, the DA*200 is 476 mm, ƒ6.3 and very quick focusing.
Some DA*200 images... @200mm ƒ2.8
DA*200 images....slideshow.
DA*200 and HD DA 1.4 TC @280mm ƒ4
DA*200 and HD DA 1.4 TC slideshow
DA*200 and ƒ1.7x AF adapter. @ 340mm ƒ4.5
DA*200 ƒ2.8 with F 1.7x AF Adapter slideshow
DA *200 with stacked 1.4 TC and F 1.7x AF adapter @ 476mm ƒ6.3
DA*200 and stacked TCs slideshow
This combo simply gives you more bang for your buck, in a much lighter, easier to carry and use package.
I couldn't happier. I waffled for a year over this decision, which means I did without it for a year too long.