He just called and said Piper wanted about $325 for the SWITCH. I
looked in Aircraft Spruce and a non PMA switch is about $25.

Even $25 is way too much. As an A&P and practicing engineer, I would
never suggest that you simply pull the switch out, find one that looks
and functions the same (good sources include Mouser, Digikey, and
Newark), and install it. After all, that would not be an approved
part, so you would not be able to make the proper logbook entry.

Remember, safety is all about complying with the regulations. And you
can't spell complying without lying.

Michael