I joined these forums about a year ago, and until just recently been using a t2i.

Very happy with it, changing to better lens was huge improvement.

I could just buy one of the many great prime full frame lenses out there, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I'm not getting the most out of the lens if you go that route.
I didn't think it would, but I honestly think my lens (24-105) performs better on the 7D , I speculate it would be even better on a full frame... so theoretically, yes you won't get the most out of the lens.. however it will be huge improvement over standard kit lens.

I have spent a lot of time researching and reading in the last year.

I understand what your saying, but I personally don't see it as an issue.
For the most part there is an equivalent option to the standard full frame lens.

10-22mm instead of 16-35
17-55mm instead of 24-70
85mm instead of 100
20mm instead of 35
28 or 35 instead of 50.


the only real problem so far is the physical limitations of the format on the wide end of the focal length scale
The 10-22 is rather wide, I personally enjoy the aps-c format as I like the longer range. I prefer some distance between me and my subject.

Try and enjoy what your camera offers, don't worry so much about the technical aspects.