I've been using aluminum drums for a long while with no issues. I don't get to the track as often as I like but when I do, I don't heat them drums when doing the burnout. I use a line lock.
My brakes in the rear are set up as you mention gusszgs minus the Russel line. Braking is superb.
It's official, the dude that told me that is smoking crack.
By the way, rock auto carries the drums at a lower price then Dennis and with an email coupon code you can get them to your door for less than what Dennis lists them on his site.