That's outrageous for shipping, and I thought $6.95 was a little high. The gasket is around 1/8th thick. If I were going to try it again without the Real Gasket, I would silicone it, and try 10 or 15 in lbs torque. It's odd, I do not remember ever having this problem back in the day. Distortion of the housing must be a factor.
