well, we pay less than $.50/frame with a groove top bar, and simply glue in popsicle sticks (about 4 cents worth...we reuse them from honey tastings). we glue them in the top bars before assembly, and it's hard to call this "extra work".
we have way more popsicle sticks than we can use...if you are in the area (mass), or come to the upcoming 2010 northeast treatment free beekeeping conference, you are welcome to a thousand or so (you have to wash them yourself).
...i'd like a nice beveled top bar, but these are not beveled, and too expensive for my cheap taste :)
deknow