In terms of "not cheap," here's your best option. I don't know who does this, but check with Enzo Racing and/or Technical Touch for potential leads. In Motocross, Team Kawasaki and Team Yamaha ran anodized Ti shock springs last year. (EDIT: Come to think of it, they may have been chrome-dipped steel.) I could easily see gold being one of the colors available.
That anodising (or whatever it is) isn't holding up very well...
I also vote for a new powder coat.
True. But remember, it's taking a lot of high-speed debris from the rear wheel and the chain. Not an issue on a bicycle, unless the rider is WAAAAAAY stronger than I can imagine.