TBF, I use steel poles as I have found they do push into the ground much easier than 3/8 or1/2" fibreglass, they dont flex as pressure is exerted on the top of the pole, fibreglass do.I have used steel poles for the last 18 yrs, I have never had to resharpen one, or replace one because of rusting. The original finish on my poles is chrome, I have them powder coated green to camoflague them, you are correct about the powder coating wearing off, but this is only off the first few inchs of the pole, which is underground when your net is in use anyway.
My basket principle is completely different