I just rewrapped me bars with the tape and gel pads. I noticed the LBS guy who wrapped it first had the gel pads on the top of the bars along the tops and hoods section.

I noticed that my paws sit on the sides of the bar when I am grabbin' hoods.
So, I moved the gel pads along the sides in that area where it would lay right where me paws touch. Went for a test ride, and my hands did much better.

Don't give up on the aluminum just yet.