Traded my D90 to an EP-3 and now starting to ask why I did it.

I've owned two D90s, three D5000s, a D7000, three D40s, and now own a D5100 and a D5000.

You didn't say but maybe you were just trying to carry a lighter kit.  I've never considered that as something I needed so I'm fine shooting street with my DSLRs and short zooms.  But if weight was a concern and you're still disappointed in your E3's IQ, get a D5100 and a Tamron 17-50.  Or heck, even just an 18-55 VR.  That combinations feels weightless in my hands and, yup, you get DSLR IQ.