yeah, the reason it costs so much is that they're so much longer than the standard size of cargo. sounds stupid but it'll be the same pretty much everywhere. I went through the same stuff with my skis going back from nz, but i managed to get someone else to bring it home. ask around, someone might be able to help you out. also, they can arrange to leave your stuff at the airport for a long time, and they'll just keep it there until you come and pick it up.