Thanks Tim...I share your view of the composites. They have no character and cost way too much. Also the funny thing is that none of them are guaranteed for longer than 10 years (unless something has changed in the last 5 years). I think that's funny since they're touted as lasting forever.
I can draw you some examples of our railing designs if you can't find what you want in the pics. There are a few ways of doing them, but my favorite (read easiest and longest lasting) is this one...
http://www.hannawoodworks.com/Decks19.html
If you need any tips on the construction, let me know, I'd be happy to help out.