Why gold?

It is expensive but totally unnecessary. Don't worry you are not missing out. Perhaps you may need to clean you connections more often or give the RCA jacks a a twist now and then to ensure a good connection but that is about it. FWIW: It is rare to see gold XLR connectors - so the recorded music you listen to was probably made using ordinary connectors.

I suppose it's because they never get to any quality recording venues, and/or have never seen what they actually use.

Perhaps, they just don't have training in "alchemy"? ;-)

Djembeplay,

Don't worry - your ordinary connectors are not stealing the air and warmth out of your music. Corrosion and making a good contact are indeed important - so give the RCA's a twiddle now and then and you 'll be ok. Certainly don't lose any sleep over these anything but good quality connectors.