I was referring to the time of the 6MP era, where we only have the cheaper APS-C cameras, the advanced APS-H sensors and the pioneer FF models. The 17-40mm is only useful (and probably solely due to its value then outright quality) at the higher end models of yester-year. The 17-40mm had no place in the crop sensor cameras.
In today's world of incredibly powerful full frame sensors, it is my contention that the 17-40mm f/4 is redundant, kept alive by budget FF photographers, which I think is an odd category.
Quite frankly, I don't think budget FF users are odd. If anything, they will be increasing in numbers given the introduction of D600 and 6D.