let's put it this way, the question was about chrome, not about alternatives to chrome. the answer is rooted in commerce. if you have enough frames to be chromed someone will do it well for a reasonable fee. if you just have one or two a month...it'll be just as good but it will cost a fortune.
the most recent frame that jb had plated for me had both chainstays, the rear dropout faces, and the front dropout faces plated. the cost TO ME, before i marked it up to the client, was $335. fwiw, the quality of the polishing and the plating, as well as jb's superb masking skills...these were all absolutely puss. the plating on this frame would've have made cino et al turn pea green with envy. and using nicely made forged steel dropouts enabled me to exercise some creativity in the joining process.
so, it IS available. at a cost. e-RICHIE
Richard Sachs Cycles
No.9, North Main Street
Chester, CT 06412 USA
http://www.richardsachs.com
Tel. 860.526.2059