The answer to your question depends on where you are financially and what the house is like. I'm thinking this is not a colonial mansion in Moorestown, NJ. The vinyl siding gave it away. With that in mind, there is no way I would spend that much money on those particular windows. I would replace the rotted parts of the sills. This is most likely only the outer 2 inches or so, where moisture has been trapped under the ext trim. I would also replace the brickmolding (ext trim). I would then have these openings wrapped with the aluminum of your color choice, making sure that that is sealed properly, and also installed behind whatever drip cap is above. What I'm describing is not expensive work, perhaps app $200 per opening, including material. It is also not time consuming work, and fairly straight forward. I would then choose a quality replacement window with an insert installation, preserving all your interior trim. I would think you could have all this done for less than $1k per window or so. It could be argued that the technically correct way to do this right is to gut the openings and go with full frame methods, all new everything in and out. But replacement windows are called replacement windows for a reason. It is not always desirable to replace everything. For instance, if those wood windows of yours have a rope and weight balance system, then there is a large weight pocket behind the jambs. It's just not worth it to take all that apart unless you're wealthy or doing it yourself. Just get the best window you can. I suggest fiberglass framed so that you won't lose glass space. If that doesn't bother you, high end vinyl will work as well. But don't skimp on the window. If you do, you will be back in the same boat in less than 10 years. One more thing. The aluminum wrap on the outside can be bent in such a way to have a brickmold profile. This is much more professional and attractive, and shouldn't cost any extra if you have true professionals doing the work. Good luck!

I had good luck today, I found the replacement stem at our local plumbing supply store, description: 8 stem assem (Boshart) 0865PT-SA8. $10.50, easy to install. My stem overall length was 11 inches as well but this is for the 8 inch faucet assembly, so make sure you measure your stem and compare it to a complete faucet assembly (I think they come in 10" and 12" as well).

Brand, track and roller type dependent if sliders.

In my honest opinion there currently is no "best brand" right now. All brands are fairly equal at the low end efficiency range. Going to 2 speed AC is more costly may require full system replacement including your furnace and the payback while better than single speed isn't really where the market is going. Inverter... the cream of the crop. Can cut your electric bills by up to 50%. However inverter AC can vary quite a bit from manufacturer to manufacturer. Most major mfgs, will require expensive proprietary controls. The Bosch Inverter came to H-town market in 2019. Bosch does things differently than the major mfgs. It has proven itself well this past year for me and the customers I have that chose it. Last year was a really hot summer here. I install more brands than just Bosch. There are some that print misinformation because they have signed contracts with brands that can't do what Bosch does. There are gotchya's coming in the near future. R410a refrigerant for equipment we are selling now is in the cusp of being phased down and out. While this will take time, the cost of refrigerant will likely jump in price as early as next year due to production cuts. 2025 will likely be the start of a new R410a equipment ban. The good news is you still have a choice. The bad news is if your equipment springs a refrigerant leak in the years to come will make the repair more expensive. However, because AC equipment can last upto 15 years and in some cases longer... you may skip a generation of equipment. The new refrigerants & equipment will likely show up some time in 2024. I have a lengthy informational discussion in video content on my main website that discusses all the pros and cons. Click here. I service the Katy, Texas area.