As I read all these posts, I can't help but wonder what the systems of the people posting are like. If your system cost less than $10k, I'd be surprised if it would reveal differences in plating type or plated versus unplated.
I also wonder about the listening skills of those posting. Do they have have a playlist of "system test" tracks that collectively reveal the major aspects of sound quality? Do they have a disciplined approach to listening?
I'd like to hear from someone with a $250k+ system who is a highly skilled listener.