My information is that there is no visible difference whatsoever
between using plated- and non-plated connectors. I've tried both myself and seen no appreciable difference.
True when new--but after a couple of years of corrosion---no.
Gold plating "is" best. An alternative is a "liquid contact enhancer", called, I think "Stabilant" or something similar. It's pretty expensive, too, but an oz or two will do all the connections on all the electronics you'll ever own in your lifetime.