Backcountry has ultegra 10x3 shifters for $140

[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.