[MENTION=38510]Scooper[/MENTION], thanks as always for your valuable and informed input, along with the technical details to back it up.

I don't have anything to add, except that I saw a few really attractive SS frames at the NAHBS in Sacramento a couple years ago. Steve Rex had a beautiful example with polished lugs that resembled chrome (without the drawbacks of chrome--environmental impact, potential for corrosion, etc.).