I know the reason steel sprockets and shafts was used is economic, Sick Bike Parts was a business not a hobby. But I was doing a "feasibility study" of a simple two speed dogbox for these kits and was surprised to see how cheap and common aluminum sprockets and shafts are.
Mainly looking at grainger for what's off the shelf, I know 6061 is not the best for fatigue resistance and service life but its so much easier to machine than tool steel.