I tried the free article directory plugin on my directory but had problems with it when they upgraded it a bit back. Ran my directory just using Wordpress and a plugin that creates a log in page and it worked fine for ages but I decided that I wanted more advanced features so I bought the submitarticlemarketing software about 3 weeks ago and am still getting used to it. In some ways it's better in others it's not. It's just been upgraded and bugs are getting fixed so hopefully it will settle down. If it does than it will be worth the cost.

For somebody just starting out with a directory I would just try it with Wordpress to start with, it's easy enough to add the free WP directory plugin or submitarticlemarketing at a later date. I would also advise a niche directory, much easier to run than a general subject directory.

The op was looking for a cheaper alternative. At $999 yours is slightly more expensive!

There are a lot of free alternative for article directory script, you can use wordpress, or article dashboard it's enough to build good article directory site, no need to buy expensive script my friend.