May we know why you returned the 16-35 VR ???
The 16-35 VR is a very good lens. I couldn't tell the IQ difference of both lenses for my landscape work.
I've also had 24-70mm, therefore, the extra 25-35mm from 16-35 VR does not add up to me.
The quality-built of 14-24mm is much better. The 16-35 is a plastic.
Most importantly, I love the extreme wide angle-lens so an extra 14-15mm is very important to me.
I also love "night photography", therefore, 1 stop can make a big difference. The 14-24mm is amazingly good at f/2.8.
Although filter (especially GND) is a problem, I can bracket and blend them in Photoshop and will take me only few more minutes. Polarizer is a compromised but I don't use it as frequent for darkening the sky for wide angle any way.
If I need to eliminate the glare, I can use the 24-70mm with the polarizer.
The only limitation for me is inability to use"Lee Big Stopper" filter but I can use the 24-70mm which is usually wide enough.
Best regards,
Pramote