FP-User:-
I tried the experiment and the navbars loaded button by button on the opening page, however on subsequent pages they load instantaneously.
Fred Level:-
Frames are certainly not in fashion today, however I have looked at your site and I like the layout. It certainly is a possible solution to slow loading navbars as you only load them the once.
I think frames are not popular because in the early days you tended to have TOP Frame followed by a LEFT & RIGHT Frame: then designers would add vertical and/or horizontal scroll bars which made the whole page untidy.
I think they is a place for frames if used correctly, and I feel you site has achieved this.