Thanks for the replies,
As for don't do it, I've already had it most of the way apart, and
only stopped because I hit a choice I couldn't resolve. I think I was
only one or two steps from the end. Unless I have another primary lens
{don't have- unfortunately}, I am not willing to send it away for
however many weeks Nikon will take to return it.
I've ruined a lens before too, that really sucked. I lost track of the
order and orientation of elements, it let grey light through and
that's all. I don't believe that's an issue with this lens, I can't
screw up the order of the glass elements. That old disaster is keeping
me more attentive to control now.
I am certain it is dust, I have looked carefully with magnification
and side lighting.
When I bought my camera, somebody came in the store to complain about
dust in their Nikkor, same series as mine, and he was basically blown
off, not part of the Nikon (or extra) warranty. Mine's out of warranty
now so I expect no sympathy from Nikon, or the impersonal store.
I agree that a 1 1/2 year old lens shouldn't have dust in it, but it
is a zoom, I zoom it in and out frequently, I wasn't lucky long
enough. I would have thought Nikon would build it better, the dust I
see is not tiny, and on certain shots it am sure effects the image.
On the other hand, if I can talk myself into a new lens (I'm getting
there) and a repair shop that's reasonably priced, maybe I'll go that
route.
I still prefer to do it myself, especially if it needs repeated
cleaning.
Thanks again for the suggestions