The top straps are steel. I've never seen any Weavers that didn't have the bottom half of the ring made from aluminum. Never had any break either. You may not think they are too tight, but they are. And if you are getting the rings too tight, you are damaging the scope. Not just denting the tube, but the internals.
The older style with screws on one side were hard to get the scope mounted vertically. It will rotate as the screws are tightened. You have to start with the scope slightly canted one way so it will be straight after you finish. Sort of a trial and error process until you get it right.
They aren't the most aesthetically pleasing, but they do work. And I actually like the newer 4X4 rings.