Recently purchased the Canon XT DSLR which came w/ the kit-81-55mm lense. The lense was somehow pushed in/jammed/damaged (weddings=cocktails=god only knows) & obviously no longer takes photos but as far as i can tell the camera is a-okay.

Need some advice (after being told it was a cheap lense & I shouldn't bother repairing).
Is it the type/size of lens or brand("freebie" that came w/ camera) that's considered cheap?

I can have it repaired for $70 or purchase the identical one for appx $120-140ish.... Or am I better off taking that cash & upgrading to something bigger/better? If I do upgrade, what would you suggest to a gal who considers photography their fave hobby? (enjoy photographing nature/architecture/closeups/people).

I also have a 35mm Canon SRL from the 70's(AV-1?) w/ a 18-50mm lense as well, ALTHOUGH the lense DOESN'T fit my DSLR opening.....can i purchase a piece that allows it to fit my DSLR(i'm so technical)...and if so, what is "lost" when using the "manual" lense vs. the digital lense?

Sorry for the novel...(you should hear my answering machine messages)
Any advice would be great P.S. Hiding pup~ u really should considering writing camera manuals....ur attention to detail/explanations are so easy to understand!