I found a cheaper circuit board prototyping service which makes this project feasible. Here's the link:

http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/fusion-pcb-2-layer-10cm10cm-max-10pcs-p-396.html?cPath=64_12

Ten (up to) 4" X 4" boards for $40 which brings the price per board down to $4. They support 1.2mm thickness which is .047" which is what we need for old SIMMs.

Apparently there's some value in hanging out in the aquarium LED forums, which is where I found a reference to this prototyping service.