Flake you are a lens snob you virtually told the OP that his lens was crap and not worth repairing "
so if you can put up with the inferior quality they produce" to me that would always win you the award of lens snob.
As for thinking outside the frame i was suggesting that you image dose not need to be super sharp.....why not use it to your advantage ....if you need help with this take a look at the holga ,lensbaby or why not try a pinhole camera.
Cheers
David