^ Exactly. I use it as a tool to create, and enjoy the results. I would be the first person to tell you it's not that sharp of a lens.
But sharpness isn't everything. Though, it is to a certain camp of consumers, yes.
After extensive personal testing, I don't find the focal shift to be overbearing in real world shooting at all.
If I perform tests as with the lens stopped down a stop or two and at specific subject distance, I can 'create / observe it.
But the 'miss-focus' is marginal and overcome with a small turn forward and back taking 3 photos when critical.
Here is a shirt thread I posted to regarding focal shift in the 50L
https://photography-on-the.net …showthread.php?p=17417563