Best (affordable) upgrade option for the Nikkor 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 VR kit lens?

I had pondering the same conundrum for weeks. I thought that "upgrading" to the 18-85 might be a viable option, but from my research, it seems that other than greater reach, it is not really any better than the kit lens (as far as image quality). Without spending the proverbial "arm and leg" to upgrade to much better glass, there really isn't any viable options for this focal range. Since I wanted and needed more telephoto abilitiy, and my budget was limited, it seemed to me the best option was to keep the kit lens, and look for a decent telephoto. After some deliberation, I opted for the 55-300mm VR lens. If you are careful to use the lens within its optimal aperture and zoom ranges, it is a wonderful, sharp lens. With that addition, I have 18 - 300 mm covered, without the defects inherent with an all-in-one zoom lens.