[citation][nom]eyemaster[/nom]Gold plated plugs of any type are always good because they will not oxidize. So if you have a choice between gold plated and not, go for the gold. Maybe in today's world, it doesn't matter as you'll break the wires/plug before it starts oxidizing anyway, but it really doesn't cost much more if at all.[/citation]
By the time you have any oxidation on your cables significant enough to be a problem, we will all be using the new Xbox 3600 4D Special Edition, with Direct Neural Interface and full sensory feedback.