Got them about 20 years ago in the UK, -(I think from Armours but I can't really remember). No steel ends, but seems to be no wear issues at all, -though I've only had 'em fitted for a several hundred k's.
They do SEEM to be a little noisy (tappity), but it may just be my imagination, or possibly the Dural is more musically resonant.
I had set them 8 and 10 hot, but I'm tempted to close down the gaps a thou or two. (Mind you I'd rather have more clearance than too little).
Guess I should set them 8 and 10 hot, then measure them when cool to see what the expansion is like.