Broken inside door handle/lever.
 

It seems like it would be easy to replace but I haven't taken it apart yet.

Is this a pretty straight forward job or are there parts other than the lever that I will need? i.e. are the pin and clip throw away parts or reuseable?

Should I replace with plastic or I am just waiting for them to break again and I should just do aluminum now? My door opening cables are very tight (that's why it broke). Is this typical?

Lube the cables and lock. Definitely get an aluminum handle. Save the small circlips and pin, you need them for the new handle.

I redid mine last summer. I would suggest replacing all the little plastic pivots. I think there's 4 or 5 in each door. That's usually what makes the handle stiff and hard to pull. It onlt takes one bad one and it won't open any easier. They're only a couple bucks for all them and they're easy to replace while you have the door panel off.