I have been flying with an aluminum crutch for about a three-summer seasons.
I used 3/32 Aluminum flat stock. ¼ brass angle stock, 2-56-1/4 screws and JB weld.
I took the original wood crutch parts; double stick taped the parts to the flat stock.
Cut the parts out of the flat stock, and drilled the holes using the wood parts as the jig/template. I put them together using the brass stock, the 2-56 screws and JB weld under the brass angle stock.
I also put some scrap wood between the crutch and the Vmax to isolate the crutch from some of the heat transfer.

I have had no problems with weight (since LMH recommends adding 4-6oz of lead to the standard configuration). You do not need any stiffeners and I have yet to bend it on any crash (and I crash a lot).

I can post pics if wanted.
P.S I have made an adapter for standard GP to Vmax using old Vmax plug. If you are intrested in how post your request here.

notasme