Local prices on custom made metal railing seem extremely high to me. (Cost
of materials plus $55.00 per foot, plus $40.00 per drilled hole, plus,
plus, plus ...)

The only other alternative that I know about is very inexpensive crappy
metal railing from Lowes or Home Depot.

I would think that more substantial products coule be made where the end
user could purchase pieces and self-install the railing. These pieces
might be top rails, bottom rails, balusters, newel posts, rail end caps,
etc., etc.

Are such products made? How can I find out about/order them.

Pros/Cons of this type iron or aluminum railing?

Thanks.