I got mine over a year ago on EBGames.com for either 14.99 or 16.99, I forget. It arrived in great shape, complete; all their PS2 games come with insert, manual, disc. It was in stock yesterday for 24.99 and seems to be so pretty often. Use the AFF15 + SAVER coupons to get 15% off + free shipping when they have it in stock. I think these coupons still work. EB updates their database in the morning at 6 or 7 AM Eastern I believe, so try to check for it in stock early (I could find the exact time on the CAG forums but I'm lazy).
If the game arrives and you're not satisfied with its condition, EB accepts in-store returns, so you won't be out anything except a trip to EB.
Also, try calling up a store and getting them to see if any of the stores in the area have it in stock. I'm pretty sure they can check.
http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product_id=938518 - Check on gamestop.com for local availability, too.
*checks to see how much MGS2:S goes for on eBay to see if this was all for naught