Not sure if this is on topic, but here are some interesting links to better understand MTF charts as well as lens design theories.
http://www.photodo.com/nav/artindex.html (Photodo.com site)
http://www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/leicahome.html (The Leica Papers)
http://www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/technics/optics01/lensdesign01.html (Lens design; Criteria and Considerations by Erwin Puts)
http://www.imx.nl/photosite/technical/resolution/resolution.html (Understanding resolution and debunking myths around Leica Lenses by Erwin Puts)
When I started using the Eos system 14 years ago, I presumed that if a lens had more elements, it should be better. After reading the book "The Leica Lens Compendium" by Erwin Puts and using Leica lenses on my Eos cameras, my paradigms completely changed.
Take a quick look at some of the best lens designs from Leica and you'll realise that they often manage to design and manufacture lenses of superlative quality, while generally utilising fewer lens elements than their Japanese counterparts. That takes superior art and science. Puts argues that computers merely help the designer to optimise a lens but it doesn't automatically guarantee a good design. Designers who have not mastered the finer art of lens design often keep adding lens elements to combat certain abberations, but that in itself, introduces new problems in the optical path. Light is energy, and the more lens elements stand in its path, the more "resistance" there is to that flow of energy.
The situation with Canon is that while they undoubtedly make many outstanding lenses (especially their L telephotos) some of their lenses are truly less than stellar. The EF17-35L for instance suffered from terrible chromatic abberation in the edges. The EF70-200 f/2.8L IS while a fine lens, because it uses so many elements (23 elements), is often prone to veiled glare. I'm speaking from experience as I've own these lenses. Also, due to economic reasons, budget EF lenses are often just mediocre as design and material compromises are made.
Perhaps that's why lens design interests me. It often gets entertaining when one can almost start to predict a lens' performance by examining its design and heritage. That's why when I saw the EFS10-22's optical layout, I was excited as the indications were good that this lens would be an optical gem. I cannot say the same for the EFS17-85 IS USM though.
My gratitude to those of you who explained things to me about the length of posts. Truly appreciate your clarification. Anyway I'd better stop before my verbosity becomes an issue.
