One of the very best deals at REI, or anywhere else, for that matter, is their Mini-Trangia cookset, which lists for about $34 dollars. It includes the Trangia stove, a windscreen, a small (750 ml) pot and a lid, which doubles as a frying pan (stickless coated, as well). I have two of them and the set is more than enough for solo trips. I also use the set, minus the Trangia, with my canister stove.

With any alcohol stove, and especially these lightweight titanium doodads, a good windscreen is crucial. You are correct that an alcohol stove fashioned from a discarded aluminum can will work as well as anything else out there - the cost is effectively zero. I have never used the Decagon, but it doesn't seem to get very good reviews. It is titanium -that is enough for some people, The Stanley pot is stainless, rather heavy and clunky. Maybe OK for car camping, but many things are better when you have to carry the weight.