Good to know.
Having the 120mm end of the zoom range available would appear to make this a versatile tool for hikes etc, where you might find yourself closer to your subject than a 300mm could work with

Out of interest,  do you think you'd ever use a monopod or other support with it?

I did use it with a monopod for a few recent hikes.  Unfortunately, I was not able to get that many good photos.  I miss my 500mm PF.

Here are a couple of handheld videos.
Gang Gang:
https://youtu.be/YR4eMVbvZI4
Kangaroo:
https://youtu.be/oIzj-_EaZvA

These were straight out of the camera with a flat profile.  A few minutes in DaVinci Studio would have brought it to life.  I am incredibly pleased with the result.
When I move, I will try the germicidal lamp fungus method and seal it shut in a big ziploc bag to store in my dry cabinet.  I may try to contact Nikon China or Japan to see if they can fix it for a more reasonable price.  $3300 is outrageous for a front element swap that I can do myself.

I've never rented lenses. I should consider this.

Great, I recommend it.

• On the one hand you'll spend a few hundred dollars each time.
  Some of the lenses will excite you and you can then buy with greater confidence
  (or make a mental note to consider them again when funds or priorities are more favourable)
  
• On the other hand, some lenses you were about to purchase may reveal aspects of usability or performance that you weren't expecting and know you couldn't live with. Straight away, you've saved yourself possibly a thousand dollars or so.

Final option - consider used lenses.
This has also worked well for me. Plus you know if you decide to sell, you'll probably only lose maybe 10% of the price paid (sometimes you'll make no loss at all)

I keep trying to get acquainted with the DJI mavic 3 drone. The points of view are mind blowing but the quality, even at full sun, low iso and f5.6...something is not right. Working on files right now.
(i have just redone the cropping)
  dji mavic 3 cine

At the pursuit of the black grouse - Leica Q2 - Nikon Z8 & Z 400mm f/4.5 & TC 1,4x
Today it was really worth to get up at 4 o'clock to search for the black grouse at 1'800m ASL

Sounds like the aches from your body are now less than your urge to get stellar & interesting images Daniel.
I'm curious that you didn't get dragged off by the Gendarmes for using a handy without due care & consideration 

Thank you, Jan. I use that button to change the autofocus area mode. However, there is another button that might be a contender.