Yeah, that's the general sentiment I get when I ask in bike shops or mechanics in person. I just wonder how things like rifles, golf clubs, etc seem to have all kinds of various non-painted finishes, and a lot of those items seem to be very resistant to rust. Maybe it comes down to heat treating or just the quality and thickness of the steal to begin with? I guess a little bit of rust on a frame that's only a few mm thick is a much bigger deal than a sand wedge that is a solid chunk of steel?

I feel like I need to talk to a serious materials expert for at least 30mins to get all my questions answered haha.

If anyone else has any thoughts/experience or friends who just happen to be materials experts, let us know!