Check out the attachment. Page 7, step 8 says you have to use a 15mm socket to move the idler sheave and tensioning arm toward the front of the tractor (there is a picture). This should relieve the tension on the belt. Here is a link that might be useful: Link

If you don't need space for socializing on the deck, I think you would be better served by a simple, 6' wide runway deck/walk that hugs the house and then devote the leftover space to planting. Split the steps with half at the deck and half at the entrance to the walk (from the drive.) It would seem a lot more luxurious to you if you made the step-treads 16" (front-to-back depth.) Use a conventional railing instead of seating. (You can't post photos by embedding code, but you can upload them directly from your computer by using the "Photo" button at the bottom of the window where you create the post.)

As a feature I think the rail adds interest. However, I wish it had a jog around the great room as 60' of straightness is less exciting. Still, the house looks good either way. If you wanted a more transparent railing, painted aluminum pickets are 1/2" thick instead of 1 1/2" .... 1/3 the bulk. But they would add a fair expense over re-installing what you already have. It boils down to if you find more transparency worth the cost. (and there are the other types of transparent rail already mentioned.) It probably wouldn't be worth the cost to change it to me, but maybe to you it would.

Sorry I don't know for sure, however, your stain will be influenced by the current color of your wood, so you may have to do some testing. If you consider Duckback, it's only sold at better paint/hardware stores, they may be able to guide you, or you might be able to email them with pics of your yard to the HQ and get some info back from their technical people.