Hey man, I hate to break it, but frames are not cheap. Check Kawasaki, they are asking $1087.27 @ my local Kawasaki shop (
http://www.matison.com) This is just for the steel frame. So, I find $175 to be a fair deal as it is 16% of what it costs new.
I'm so d**n busy with work, but if I get some time to get out and chop the frame up and swing by the post office, you'll have a frame. Be patient or be willing to pay up. But, I do agree with you, it is crazy how much a piece of metal costs. I had to replace some plastics on my R1 after some scratches and ect. Cost me nearly $1800 for parts that cost them less than $100 to manufacture.