I concede, and am with you up until 'as otherwise provided'. 310 concerns the construction of the conductors in the entire book. It does not circumvent 110.5, just outlines the requirements for conductors used in the entire book, exceptions and all. 310, in itself, is not an exception.
Furthermore, 110.5 goes on to say that, 'where the conductor material is not specified, the material and sizes given in the Code shall apply to copper conductors. So, where in 220 does it specify conductor material?
I see how 110.5 can be taken the way you stated. I have never read specifically that aluminum could be used as a feeder, but we all know it is used all the time.
In 334.10 it tells me that I can use NM cable in a residence. 334.104 lists aluminum NM cable, but yet in 210 will it tell you that aluminum cannot be used?
It has been my understanding that the NEC has never banned aluminum branch circuits, but amendments have.
Here is an addition to the Texas code:
"(c) The National Electrical Code shall be amended as follows.
(1) Add to Article 310.1 the following statement: "Aluminum and copper-clad aluminum shall not be used for branch circuits in buildings classified as a residential occupancy; aluminum and copper-clad aluminum conductors, of size number 4 AWG or larger, may be used in branch circuits in buildings classified as occupancies other than residential."
(2) Add to Article 110.14 the following statement: "Aluminum and copper-clad aluminum conductors shall be terminated using approved compression-type crimp lugs with approved inhibitors.""
(title 16, Part 4, chapter 70, rule 70-101)
An interesting article:
http://www.iaei.org/magazine/2006/01/aluminum-building-wire-installation-and-terminations/