Hey Nakey, maybe you've already made up your mind but here's more encouragement.
I can see that if you're a social being (aren't we all) the call of Canon is loud. You can share gear with friends, providing they are
good friends. But of course for info, tips, etc. you can use this here forum. Not only have I learned a lot here but I've tried to give just as much back to keep the karma flowing. Plus I've found some great lenses courtesy of sellers like Yung. You don't find people that decent just anywhere.
Pentax appeals to the individualistic artistic spirit, and the sort of person who doesn't want to fire off 200 shots to get one good shot, but rather thinks about the photo before it happens, squeezes the shutter at just the right moment and gets the shot that matters.
Anyone who thinks that Canon has all the lenses really needs to read my article
Pentax Lenses: None Better. Because if you want to look for the best lenses at the best prices, Pentax walks all over the competition. Especially as image stabilisation is so important. You say you've managed without it... but you don't know what you are missing.
Canon users do not "make greater shots because of their gear". You need to check out the Pentax photo gallery link in the above article if you truly believe that malarkey. All else being equal, and adjusting for inflation, great shots come from great photographers using great lenses. You can do it in any system. I just believe you can do it cheaper... and with more style... with Pentax.
If your friend can do amazing stuff with a 350D (and why not?) you can learn to do amazing stuff with your Pentax. There is a lot to learn. But I've only been shooting since February and managed the following. Then again, I came into this with my aesthetics well-sharpened and a good amount of technical know-how. Plus the desire to learn.
Enough talk. See photos.
This was made from three blended exposures shot with the DA16-45mm at 16mm. It's a great lens for the price and a good alternative to the kit.
The following is a manual focus with the Cosina 100mm f/3.5 Macro, one of the great legacy lenses Pentax gives you access to. And for cheap.
So was this. A lens so light and useful that I have a hard time taking any other out with me.
The much heavier and more expensive Vivitar Series 1 105mm, which I'm still getting a handle on. Said by many to be the best macro lens ever. Also good for antique shots of goats.
You can buy all of these lenses for the price of one image stabilised Canon lens. And we haven't even begun talking about the loveliness that are the limited series.