I like chrome as much as the next person (though I don't like all-chrome frames at all), but there are some beautiful bikes that have no chrome on the frame at all. I'm thinking of a lot of René Herse examples, and I've seen an Eisentraut or two that are “paint only,” and single color too. Nothing fancy, but stunning detailing and workmanship, and a very complex color chosen for the paint. I respect the choice not to be flashy. Chrome is nice for dropouts, just because it makes a harder surface that's corrosion-resistant, and not quite as easily chewed up by serrated axle fittings; but they're going to go through whatever's there to base metal, no matter what.