I think the increased penetration comes from the typically heavier weight. However, a carbon of the same weight, with the weight up front, will penetrate even better.

The tolerances on aluminum are better than most carbons, but you can get most of the relatively low tolerance carbons to work well if you know how to spine tune and properly build your arrows.

Lasting longer is a debatable issue no matter which side of the fence you're on. Aluminums bend more easily but don't break as readily. The bends can often be repaired. Carbons don't bend, but will break, though not real easily. Carbons also appear to lose some their spine after a lot of shooting, though how much is still not really known. Neither are perfect and I wouldn't choose between them based on this issue.

In my view, the penetration advantage of an extreme FOC carbon is big. If you're one who is going to shoot a typical FOC, then neither is a clear cut winner on the typical close range hunting shots, in my opinion.