My state DOT's begun a policy of replacing vehicle license plates that have a reputation for delaminating. Mine are too after 9+ years but I'm not quite to the trigger date of 10 years from what I've heard.

I've seen plates literally bare of readability, all that's left is the embossed aluminum that can't be read.

Maybe Shimano's engineers accountants have determined the cosmetic coating's more indicative of their products strength in use than the metal underneath?