Yeah there is an easier way
create one PHP file that assigns a value to $main such as "htmlcontent"
Then in home_main.tpl create a new if statement for
{elseif $main eq "htmlcontent"}
have that include one index file similar to the help index file that just calls each file if another variable is set.
If you copy help.php as a base and call it something else then copy the help directory in skin1 this will act as your framework. It will then be really easy to add a new page - just put the includes in the index file and create a new template shell for the new html page, add in a couple of language settings, and add a link to the page.
hth