@info: I really don't understand your discontent. You mentioned stairs build like 50 years ago. Those stairs couldn't be possible drawn in any software 50 years ago. It must have been drawn by hand. In 2D sketches. Are you telling me you can't replicate some 2D drawings created some 50 years ago, by just using Autocad LT?
You mentioned Autocad LT. That's 2D only. No 3D possible in Autocad LT. Revit LT is 3D. And that's a huge improvement by itself (from 2D to 3D).
If you believe Revit is expensive, just let me tell you a few examples of expensive software: Tekla Structures starting at 10000€ or CATIA starting at 20000€. There is a profitability threshold in any software. There is no reason in hunting small targets by using big guns. You could rather use more precise (specialized) tools in your designs. There are specialized software (just) for stairs (circular, elliptical, etc). They are used by professionals in the "stairs" industry. All you have to do is to google: stairs software.
Please keep in mind that no other software (than Revit) covers so many building specialties and no other software interconnects all building professionals at such extensive level. That's why Revit offers APIs, so that 3rd parties can create specialized tools for whatever reason (Graitec, Sofistik, etc).