Pivot Bars Wasted Away!!!

After discovering a pivot bar completely corroded through and detached from the pivot shoe, I dismantled my vinyl "Showcase" double hung windows. I've identified the replacement shoe (15-121) and pivot bar (26-068) but can't help but feel foolish to put the same inferior materials back in there. These windows are only 7 years old and the pivot bars are wasted away? Is there a better suited material for this S. Texas coastal environment? Stainless steel bars?

On the wasted pivot bars, any ideas on removing the corroded section of pivot bar remaining in the window frame slot? There is not enough good metal to grab onto to pull it out. Or, is there a suitable/superior alternative to reinstalling the same system? Many thanks.

Just discovered that at least 3 of my many Showcase windows each have at least one corroded pivot bar-all on the left side. My windows are only 7 years old as well. I've spent the last hour trying to find others who have experienced this so thanks for your post.