I see what you mean. Way back when that I first saw the process the people doing the diping were Idiots and they used too strong of solution I guess. Sounds like they have learned alot over the last 20 years. (shaking my head when I realize that much time has gone by)
I do hate to see the vin and cowl tags being removed from anything though, even just to dip it.
Now just ask me something about a Valkyrie motorcycle. Those I know something about.