I know Nasioc Forums have discussed this to death but has anyone considered the likely damaged caused to rims by the heat process used during powder coating...are people even aware of the risk?

Apparently the heat damages the metallurgy causing some rims to be seriously fubared. Before anyone with no knowledge on this subject goes off half cocked have a search at the following Forum:
Nasioc
Interesting story on an MY06 recall as well...

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Speak to Shane @ SMC Tyres, Unit 6/385 Sevenoaks St Beckenham WA 6107. Mobile 0413 128 087. Tell him Maddog sent you!

I heard the same thing morgan about powder coating..

You can simply paint them on and put a few more layers of clear coat protects them fine.