NAPA has struts for short money too, and maybe with a "Limited lifetime-
warranty" (I wonder if they'd replace a bad strut with a pair?)
I opted for Bilstein Touring struts and just installed them, Now I
need front end alignment at $75-85 depending on which shop.

I'd say it's a crapshoot when you get front end parts. The whole job falls apart
when one of the suspension parts fails, then you get more labor/parts and alignment costs. Go for high quality and reliability before cost.
It's hard to be sure when you can be OK using cheaper after market parts.
Asking around is smart!

Bill