Gonk,
You could anodize w/ different colors. this issue comes in repeatability of the exact same color for part to part and over how many units?

I have seen sulfuric anodize look pretty consistent - but it is a gray - joy.

the price for secondary plate option would not be that expensive if it is out of a stamped-sheet AL 5052 at .060" plus...

interesting idea...
_________________________
later,
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Outlaw 990/7125, Oppo, Xbox 360, Paradigm (L/R/C), Polk (S), M&K Sub w/ SMS-1, Samsung LED-DLP HDTV, Signal Cable, Brickwall