Thanks my connection is so slow, that would have taken me ages to fish for. Basically the only thing that is serious there is the compromise of HT. Durability of paint or corosion resistance are all problems in any high stress tubing.

There is a reason that stainless takes a big haircut in structures. It doesn't polish like chrome either.

I found quite a few examples of 853 that had been chromed. Still not sure whether the beef is Hydrogen embrittlement, or drawing the temper. The latter would not seem to be possible. But I don't really follow these super steels so I hope someone who does will jump in.