I don't think that plating is all that expensive, compared to a paint job. That said, it's environmentally harmful, and as others have said above, the prep of the surface is of utmost importance. Plating doesn't hide anything. My guess is that I would be happier with the quality a nice paint job. I must admit that I have had dropouts and fork crown chromed on one frame I've had refinished. But there are issues with hydrogen embrittlement of thin steel, etc. So for other frames, I've just decided that paint or PC is the best answer.