I understand what your saying. I like the look of chrome frames too, but Waterfords stance on why you shouldn't chrome a frame freaks me out a little bit.

My .02, no matter which route you go (if any) I think you should paint to recessed areas. Or you could have a really nice beater! I always say I want a beater bike but every time I get one I can't bring myself to like the fact that it's beaten up.