A couple thoughts.......

When I see pictures of sets with black hardware, the thing that jumps out at me is that ALL the hardware is not black.  The stand bases and such are still chrome (at the Pearl ones I recall seeing).

Also, I own a Mapex Black Panther SD with blackish rims and lug casings.  the black is "wearing" off the rims a bit.  Not overly noticable but now like new either.

All the black hardware I've ever had has really shown it's age (including hoops on drums chipping to reveal chrome).  

The black hardware/ black satin oil finish combo is the reason I bought my DW's.  Only had them for about a week, so I can't comment on durability yet.  But...they sure look cool!

yep, durability is all in how it's done.  badly worked steel will break, badly coated rims will lose their color.  

(i was going to say "badly coated rims will flake", but then i'd have to kill myself... rhymes...bah humbug!))