I also own a B2200 and just replaced the pipe between the exhaust manifold
catalytic converter and the rear cat.  The new formed pipe, an adaptor pipe
so that the $300 original Mazda pipe ahead of it could be re-used, an
exhaust clamp and 2 gaskets cost me $85.  I installed it myself as I'm a
mechanic.

Most repair shops charge upwards of $75/hr with a usual minimum charge of
1/2 hour.  It costs a lot of money in overhead to operate a repair facility
and they are not in business for the purpose of doing you a favor.  If that
was their mode of operation they would not be in business for long.  If one
ever does do you a favor consider it a blessing and keep going back.

In case you ever wonder about greedy mechanics, most have to provide their
own tools even if they work for someone else.  A basic set of tools for most
mechanics cost about $15,000 and we do not even get to claim them on our
taxes as an employment expense unless we are self employed.  My personal
tool investment is approx $30,000.  To set up an entire garage costs several
hundreds of thousands of dollars with a monthly overhead in the tens of
thousands.

I hope that puts things in perspective for you.
Lugnut

Since you had the muffler replaced under warranty, you had no choice but to
do the other pipes then and there. Isn't the B2200 just a restyled Ford
Ranger? Have you called a Ford dealer to see what Ford prices are like?