Some of the Nikon lenses I tried were good (35/50/85mm are all solid less experience with zooms), you just have to dig around a bit to get more information (ie the older D stuff can be pretty good and fairly cheap)
Looking at the latest releases on the ILC models super fast, crazy expensive primes. Even normal lenses are very high prices on E and Fuji X also going "up market". Looks like they are trying to claw back dwindling profits by releasing high end lenses. Can't imagine that many are buying them. Those F1.4 G masters are pricey beyond any reasonable.
Most of my lenses are s/h, not all I did pick up a new old stock 24-105mm and it was brand new. Same for the 35-70mm untouched I just dug about over a long time and picked very carefully mainly minty lenses, but I've no problem with well used if it's working. I suppose I saved a fortune

I've seen 70-300mm G's for sale at fairly good prices, wasn't sure if the lens lives up to the name. I've learnt the hard way you can't always rely on online tests/reviews they often don't match real world shooting. Then every time I see one I think maybe it's time to Minolta 80-200m F2.8 HS and forget about the 100mm difference!