Air Bag On-off Switch problems of the 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible

The airbag light has been on since I purchased my used 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible 1. 8t in June '07. We have taken it do the dealer several times, and they have quoted outrageous prices for replacing the front airbag sensors, upwards of $700. Last year there was a recall for the front airbag sensors, which we had replaced. But the light still remains on, and now they say it is the driver's side seatbelt switch, and quoted $300 for repairs. A quick web search shows this seatbelt switch issue is widespread, and is usually caused by broken wires under the seat. Apparently these wires are too short and/or exposed, and can easily be broken by moving the seat too far forward or by items pushed under the seat. I think this is yet another poorly designed system that creates a real hazard for people unwilling or unable to pay for the dealer to poke around until they find and fix the problems.