Backcountry has ultegra 10x3 shifters for $140

[madscot13]

I have shims. The problem is not brake reach, it's how far and how hard it is to throw the shifter into the big ring.

can you do it with two swings?

[Zen]

Yeah, that's how it's turned out.

Those R-700's are half the price of my bike

[Crankin]

The R-700's are so worth it. For the first time since I began cycling, I can reach everything and squeeze, tap, click without any issues. I got mine last summer for about $305. In fact, my lbs got them for this price; I couldn't find them any cheaper. Those, combined with new bars did the trick.
I had tons of issues shifting my 105s (especially in the front) on my first road bike. Basically, I never had that bike in the big ring. And I would pray every time I needed the granny gear. Not a good way to feel for a new rider. The Ultegra on my Trek was a little "difficult" on the front, too. Eventually, my DH put DA on the front, after he found it for a cheap price. But, since I've had the Kuota, my Ultegra has been perfect.