If the 70-300 FX VR lens is what you had in mind I simply cannot understand how someone, familiar with this lens, could question its optical quality.
This particular lens is sharp, light and convenient as a tele zoom. I have seen reports of its "softness" at 300mm but that has not been my experience. I have several prints from this lens and the quality is there.
The 70-200 VR seems as an exceptional lens if you do not need more than 200mm. I use an old 80-400 VR that has covered nicely my wildlife shots.
A prime 300mm is perhaps what you need.

I want to give an update on my quest for new equipment that many here were kind enough to comment upon. I got great suggestions that caused me to think about my choices and then to rethink them again and again. In some cases, it was seeing an image captured with a particular lens that helped inform me. Some suggestions made me look more closely at redundancy and how to expand my options with the fewest pieces possible. Then your comments made me think about the type and quality of the images I seek to create. Thanks again for support and shared wisdom from this community!

Camera:
After much back and forth, I decided to take a chance on a refurbished D7200 from Adorama that should be here today. And for $25, I re enforced my piece of mind with a warranty I hope I never use. (I hope the shutter count is very low.That would make me very happy.) Just for the halibut 😬, I got the Green Extreme grip for peanuts, and if it works, good. If not, oh well and I will send it back and try to find a used one from Nikon. I could not find an L bracket to fit with the grip that was reasonably priced, so I will keep hunting.

Lens:
In terms of lens, and to answer someone's question about MPB, I purchased an 85mm 1.8 for a good price and it came in two days, even though I declined expedited shipping. It was well packaged with bubble wrap and is in better condition than described. I would say this is a good new source for used gear. I decided the 85 would give me more obvious options as a prime than the 50mm. And anyway, since I also purchased the Sigma 17-70 2.8-4 and a Nikon 35 1.8 from Adorama, I think the two primes and the standard zoom should leave me with good range and flexibility. Finally, Bill P over in Sun City offered to sell me his new Tokina 11-20 which will give me a strong performer at the wide end that some reviewers stated is a weakness in the Sigma. I will continue to use my old 70-210 until I rebuild the coffers. Since at present, it doesn't get a ton of use, I can wait. I will have my hands full learning the camera and all the new glass. All-in-all, it looks like it will be a good day. The universe is very kind to me and I am grateful!
Regards
Bernie