Alternatives to a $300 key for a later C5 A6 (2004)?

[Enzeder]

The dealer wants $300 for a key (parts and labor).  Has anyone had 
any luck with keys bought off eBay?  The local dealer doesn't cut 
keys, they simply order them precut from Audi, then sync the 
immobilizer and remote.

Anyone had the keys cut locally?  (not too fussed about where - if 
one place can do it, others must.  But a Maryland business would be 
ideal.)  I've called a couple of local locksmiths, but they say it's 
a dealer only item.  I'm wondering what all these folks buying keys 
off eBay are doing.

Anyone sync the immobilizer?  Using either VAG-COM or 
http://vagproduct.com/product/vaglogin.htm (it's origin is a little 
troubling, but since VAG-COM says it can't do this, I don't think 
it's a knock-off)?

Syncing the remote seems pretty easy.

Thanks for any advice,
Arryn