Sure you haven't considered something other than the big two?

If you're not prone to collecting lenses, and don't already have a whole store of some, and can focus yourself on the hobby (ok la, give and take some occasional indulging), why not try more stuff for comparison?

Ever thought of an 18-55 that can do good close focus, hmm? Handles better than the DX 18-55 (and the 18-70 as well, imho), non-rotating barrel, and can do autofocus-then-manual-override (usefulness depends on whether you have such need, but it's there), hmm?

I don't usually make recommendations, but I'm feeling happy The trick being, it may be possible for you to get such a package at similar, or lower prices. Hehe.

More importantly, is that your choice makes YOU happy