I have a pair of carbon fiber poles from REI that I really like -- they're lighter (and more expensive) than the aluminum.
Your losing a pole here and there is a problem. Do you use the straps? I don't think I ever use my poles without them. ...and on the Half Dome cables, I think mine would be tucked away in my day pack.
I'm not losing them when I'm using them. It's when they're attached to my pack. On HD a lady snagged the strap that held them as she freaked out in the cable traffic jam and tore past us. The other got snagged when we were literally crawling through manzanita and creosote on a ridgeline. It never had a chance, looking back.
The bend/break issue is an interesting thought.
