Yes, the loss of copyright can be distressing, but don't forget that this is not the only time that it happens. For example, if a couple ask you to shoot their wedding, then (under Australian copyright law at least, your country may vary) the wedding couple own the copyright to all the images (but the photographer owns the negatives if shot on film!), unless there is an agreement to the contrary.
I've only shot a couple of weddings for friends, but in each case I wrote up the contract so that the couple retained the copyright, but that I (as photographer) had perpetual non-exclusive usage rights, so that I could use them for portfolio etc. I guess some photographers might bump up their charges as compensation for loss of copyright.
On the other hand, US$200 for loss of ALL usage rights (not just copyright) seems a bit low to me - especially if you're expected to spend a reasonable amount of time in post-production.
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