TurbineBlade

that's probably not too bad, as it takes some labor to install any basket or part with a lot of small hardware . I paid 16 bucks on Niagara, some shipping, and did it myself -- good enough deal for me for a functional basket.

Ah, after my own heart! Here's what you need.

Torrilin

Yes, I have a basket. Yes, it has a quick release. No, I don't habitually take the basket off! The reason for a quick release basket is so you can do things like run into the store, put the stuff you're buying into the basket, go up to the cashier, and then put it all back into the basket and drop it back onto your bike. For a lot of situations, the basket is just the right size.

(admittedly, the basket is currently sitting on my kitchen floor... but that's coz I brought the groceries in using it, and didn't want to run down to the basement to put it back on the bike)

cyclokitty 

I have a front basket on my bike and I typically carry my coiled cable locks as well as a tote bag to put groceries if I stop on the way home. I only carry panniers if I have to. Panniers are a pain in the backside to carry off bike and I don't like riding with a backpack or messenger bag -- I find if I carry a bag or panniers, I want to fill them up on the way home.

I don't carry lots in the basket because it is tough to control the bike if the basket is heavy. But under 10 pounds and the steering is fine.

old's'cool

I have front bags of one type or another on all my commuting bikes. My main commuter has a large detachable handlbar bag with a carry strap. That one is the most versatile...The most rugged one is on my Frankenbike, a trunk bag mounted to a rear rack that is adapted to the forks of my frankenbike.