Mutt ~
Sounds like your guys at Plymouth do great work.
As for Billmark, I'll give them a shout and see what I can determine. It's entirely possible regs over the past years have affected certain processes. ( the 429 auto link addresses changes )
I have a large assortment of hardware & parts that needs plating. Long term project items - been on the back burner for a few years.
Billmark has always done perfect work for me and I'll get to the bottom of what's what.
Thanks for your input.