Guys, the gold in THAT particular model is not plated as in gold filled/rolled like the plating on the components that we use in our pens.
I have (had) the 14K gold with "The Lord's Prayer" inscribed around it. I had it for about 30 years and took good care of it even though I used it regularly. Several weeks ago, a young pastor noticed something strange about it and then I showed him the Lord's Prayer inscription. He was awed by it. Last month I gave it to him.
Cross stopped making (inscribing) those pens in the late 80's or early 90's. I bought 3 (14k plated, inscribed) in the mid- 80s for gifts to pastor friends at about $60.00 each. I called Cross direct and ordered those; had a great conversation with a lady that was fully aware of the history and vision of Cross. Lots of people don't like the slim or the small diameter refill, but that does not make them an un-reputable company, nor make the pen an lower class pen.
I make my own pens as each of you do, but I enjoyed my Cross pen for many years. I had a sterling silver one in the 70's and lost it sometimes in the 80's. It was probably just perception, but it had a great feel to it. To me Sterling Silver and real gold (thicker layers of gold) have a unique feel to them.
My high school physics teacher (now in his 90's) likes the looks of the pens I make, but he enjoys writing with very slim pens such as the Cross.
To each his own.