LaserSoft Imaging

Will this scanner ever be supported ?
What scanner do you recommend in 300$ price range ? (I know it's very general, but ...)

It is uncertain whether the canon will ever be supported, as long as you don't put this question to Canon. If Canon sees that there is a strong request for SilverFast for their scanners, the adaptation of SilverFast to Canon hardware will be much more likely.

In the ?300 range I would recomend to buy that scanner which gives you the best performance/software/add-ons - in short: the best value for your money.