Everything I’ve read about this points to over tightening screws or clamps where the item is attached to something or over tightening items that are attached to it. Fluctuating ambient temperature causes things to expand and contract and glass is unforgiving in that area.

I'm not sure how any other railings could have the "same look" as glass, which has no visual blockage at all under the bannister level. But you could try to get something as unobtrusive as possible, maybe using thin bars or cables.

How about plexiglass...it is clear but probably scratches easily. My DDIL put it around their inside stairs when the grands were little so they would not fall.

We’ve had glass railings (in the Rocky Mountains) for about 25 years. Haven’t had a problem at all. You might consider etching a subtle pattern into the glass to cut down on bird strikes.

Yes...cable or square tubing. If I had it to do over.... Because of the birds and it's a great look and low maintenance. Definitely!