440Source's $2250 price includes balancing and shipping.
The pistons started out as Ross, then were ICON, and they don't say now except they're CNC produced in America out of American forgings. If you don't like the rods then move on.

Re: small end bushing problems - Is it possible that the pin is flexing too much?

I'd say whatever you do, start out with the idea of using 2.20 rod journals and 0.990 pins as these unlock the door for a wider variety of parts.

Been through this a hundred times, but the oil flow through the rod bearing is metered by the clearance between bearing and journal. The side clearance is so much bigger that it makes no difference on oil flow out of the bearing. Many circle track racers run those clearances extra big, keeping the rod in place by the piston pin boss. Look up "piston guided rods". There is obviously horsepower in eliminating that friction.

R.