This topic which I as a photographer have experienced as well reminds me of the philosoper Lao Tzu's words; "You try to fit the world into boxes, but what if you put the world into the world?" meaning, instead of dividing the parts, strive to realize the unity of the whole. So what are good sized boxes to use to packaging the world?
In a trip through Mexico I kept wishing for a wide angle in addition to the 50mm I had. When I returned and was looking through the negs, I forgot about the wide angle. If it wasn't there, I did not think about it.
None the less, in the work that I am doing a loaned Nikon with 24mm lens is proving invaluable. I couldn't record some of the situations otherways. My goal is the 28mm f2 and another leica .58 (with Motor : ) because I feel i am actually getting closer than need be in order to fill the frame.
I think that some people, particularly the Czechs use wide angles particularly well, but too many others rely upon their sensationalism to make "creative" pictures, forgetting about content.
I suppose if I had one lens I would have the 35 or 28, but I have grown up with the fifty and don't see replacing it.
I like the 90 f2, but have found a 135 lens more useful, particularly for speakers and head shots while in the field. When I can I would like a 135 2.8 with goggles to replace my canon set up.
While some people can afford every lens, there is a beauty to simplicity. Avoiding clutter brings on elegance. Just my thoughts.
ps. here's some recent pics;
http://f15.nycimc.org/gallery/garthliebhabernyc1