They may not always be needed but they do add to the coolness factor, especially on L series lenses.

Not strange at all. Judging from the total lack of useful content I'd say one of the OP'S objectives is to run up his postings count.

On average there is 49.45 cents federal and state tax on a gallon of gasoline. The highest state tax is in Pennsylvania at over 58 cents and New Jersey is number 8 at 37.10 cents per gallon and New York is 43.88 cents per gallon. Alaska has the lowest state tax on fuel. The fed gets 18.4 cents on every gallon sold commercially in the USA.

You do realize the float sensor that is actually in the fuel tank runs on electricity.
All the cars with the gas filler located behind the license plate, there are electric lights back there to illuminate the plate.

I just had my EF 28-300L serviced there. I sent it in via second day mail for $10 from southeastern PA. Initially someone made a data entry error that delayed the process but as soon as I resolved the issue by phone, they had it fixed and in FedEx' hands, on its way home within hours. I resolved the data/billing issue at 10:30 on a Friday morning and received an email with FedEx tracking number around 4:00 Friday afternoon. Considering the work they did to the lens, that was super fast. I guess they were making up for the delay they caused. Either way, I couldn't be happier with the end result, and my favorite walkabout lens is as good as new. It even looks brand new. I think they polished the red band. ☺

I think I'll wait until they build a few more.

The SX60HS is a nice camera for what it is. I know, I have one and I do enjoy playing with it, but, by todays standards it is fairly old technology and it really isn't meant to give you all the flexibility of a DSLR. Most people who have them set them on full auto and shoot away.
Canon had to make compromises with the lens in order to give it the zoom it has so you are limited to available aperture settings.
For $450 the SX60HS is a lot of camera but it has less actual functionality than an SL1. Like I said, it's fun to play with. If I want to take serious photographs I use one of my 5D models.
By the way, welcome to the UHH.

Cool bird...

They only stand behind it if you buy their insurance. You don't pay the Nikon USA tarif, you don't qualify for the privilege of their service facilities.
I understand how it works. I neither agree or disagree, but I do understand.

By the way, welcome to the forum.

Since you are familiar with Canon I'd recommend a refurbished 70D or 80D. It doesn't sound like you have a need for 4K video so either of the two Canon's will do, plus they both have dual pixel AF in live view which is really nice. I've recorded live concerts with both my 70D and 80D with excellent quality results. If cash isn't an issue, Canon has a nice 80D video package.

I'm with you. It take very little time or effort to use Bing or Google to find a wealth of answers to most any question, but there are many people who apparently prefer someone else to do the research. I guess it's all about the conversation.

The latest version of the 70-300 is the closest you will probably get to an L series lens quality without the sexy red band, or off white paint.
the 75-300 is one of the cheapest zooms Canon makes. For the cost, the non L series 70-300 lens is an excellent choice.

Unlike Canon, hasn't Nikon service been known to turn away non warranty repairs on Grey market products?! Or has Nikon recently changed that ridiculous policy?!

As for the additional cost of purchasing Nikon products in the USA; you know when you but something retail and at check out they ask you if you would like to purchase an extended warranty on the item? That is what Nikon USA is doing without asking you. For the privilege of purchasing a Nikon product in the USA you must buy the extended warranty; and it's not just Nikon that does this.

If the products they sell are as good as they want you to believe then why do they force you to purchase an extended warranty or any warranty at all. Shouldn't the manufacturer stand behind their products?!

Not for two more weeks; it is still summer.