It's chrome paint (over plastic), not chrome plating; two different things. Many folks just call it plastic chrome.

 

I don't know where you got that information from, but it is indeed chrome plated. Painted on "chrome" won't last long, and is such an involved process because it is hand sprayed that there is no way any manufacturer would do it on a volume basis. Same with Vacuum metalizing, won't hold up to the elements and is only used on internal pieces. If you were to look at the chrome that came off, there is Nickel/Copper/Nickel backing it. When it peels like it did, that means the mechanical bond failed, and considering I have only had the truck 16 months means that it was poorly plated. If the truck were 6 year old and it happened, well I could say it was due to age, but not at 16 months.