Panasonic X 45-175mm's lowest price and ability to handle flare?

Does anyone here know what is the lowest price this lens have retailed for in the US?

I know this lens have the new Nano coating, but how well does it handle flare? Is it better or worse than the 45-200mm lens?

Is sharpness good from 45 to 175mm or it degrades dramatically towards the telephoto end of the lens like with the 45-200mm lens?

Since the lens doesn't have any focal length markings, will I be able to accurately adjust the zooming barrel to get the focal length that I want? Say 50mm or 100mm on my Panasonic GX1? Will the focal lengths show up on my GX1's screen?

Thanks!