I've been wanting the 226 SO badly! I own zero mac brushes, the 226 would be one of the brushes I absolutely want to own, along with the 217 - but that's permanent. Both of the times the 226 was released was right when I was broke.
I might get a job sometime next month, better hope it becomes permanent! Even if its pro, I don't mind going the distance to the pro store (especially when I have never been to one!).