Lots of opinions in this thread so I might as well chime in.

Chrome plating is not just a single thing. There are different types of chrome, including "hard chrome plating", such at that used on hydraulic shafts and the like. "Hard chrome" is very wear resistant. Most chrome on bicycles is not "hard chrome", but cosmetic chrome, and its primary purpose was to improve aesthetics, not make the head tube lugs, or stays, or fork blades or tubing, any stronger.

Of course, that last statement is my opinion.