Yes, I have read that the frame issue is a touchy one here and have learned to not mention them... but I still needed a way to hold a banner up top and have it stay there while people scrolled up and down a page. I think I have found an answer with a simple CSS feature. NO FRAMES! 
Please visit the test forum I made to check it out. It's a brand new v7.7 install with the small mod made to the nav, footer and css files.
I'd like to recieve feedback on compatibility, so please post if it does not work for you. Include your OS and browser.
Also, this 'fix' has an issue with the members page... it shows up empty. Could there be an unclosed tag somewhere on the members page? I could not find it.
Help with this mystery would be cool.
Test forum is here