EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS Owners Please Reply!

I recently bought a 40D but I'm hesitant to buy the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS because of stories of it collecting dust inside the front lens element.

Could you let me know:

1) How long have you had the lens?

2) How much (if any) dust has entered your lens?

3) How satisfied are you with the image quality of your photos? (scale 1-10)

Thanks!
Gary