So if you wanna do this on the cheap, they still make French cups, and they probably work just fine with a Sunlite Axle in the right length.
10 bucks on amazon for new French cups and the "boutique" ones you mention are 50$ which isn't too outrageous considering how long a life one should expect from a high quality BB like the velo-orange one.
did some more digging and found a cheaper option. you can order these cups from amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bottom-Bracket-FRENCH-2xRIGHT-RETAINER/dp/B003ZKOOMC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358496557&sr=8-1&keywords=French+Bottom+bracket+cups
and pair them with a square taper spindle made for an Italian (70mm) bottom bracket. I couldn't find a link to the spindle, but they're cheap and here's an explanation: http://sheldonbrown.com/velos.html