The question still seems to be unresolved based on the above comments:

1. Which finish is the most durable?
2. Which finish has the best look in an engine bay?
3. Who/how many can see the difference?
4. Does it save the painter or the owner money, time, materials, headache, etc?
5. If the painter is indeed "lazy" he sounds upfront, and thats got to be a big plus.


I would single stage it.

Reality check, that half the population is smarter then 50% of the people and it's a constantly contested fact.