I had similar issues with my beloved g10. While I haven't babied it I had done nothing that would result in deep scratches (a friend who works with microscopes looked at it for me under magnification and said they looked like divots). I packaged it up and sent it to Canon Factory Service (VA). Of course it is years outside of its warranty. I requested that they replace the lens and figured they would call with a quote. I was prepared to spend some to replace it as I love the camera and am not ready to replace it. Much to my surprise and delight, they emailed me with a PDF that included the repair details of "out of warranty standard labor charges"--$00 and 2-day shipping and handling--$00. The other paperwork indicates they replaced the optical unit.
So, for the price shipping it to them, insured, I have a brand new lens. I can't tell you how happy this made me. No idea why they treated me so well--I didn't include any special details or letter, just indicated "Lens scratched/pocked, shows in images when shooting into the sun, may have to do with lens cover (automatic) sticking/contacting the lens."
So, it is worth a shot to send it back to them!
Olive in Montana
