Kent:

Thanks for the advice...the rust that I showed in the pictures seemed to just be localized as the rest up and back was just surface rust. But I may cut up more flooring to expose more of the railing to make sure.

I do feel that a simple(at least I hope so) patch job is in order. Already making plans in my head to reinforce both sides of the railing from the inside as what another user who responded to my posting did. He took great pictures of that process (check http://www.ray.bt76.com/pages/phazetwo/slides/IMG_1078.html).

I know what you mean by "overdoing." I also have that tendency of that for many things...almost like Tim Allen in the "Home Improvement" show, ha.

-DS