I'm also at the start of a repaint and was trying to decide between silver and white. Tried silver on the fork but just didn't like it so restripped and reprimed so white its going to be. As you said white will go with anything and it looks very elegant on older bikes. I prefer the off- whites rather than the stark whites though. I agree with the no powdercoat comment too. If you're patient you can do an excellent job at home.