Allright, we do both. Being a world class and award winning painter I prefer paint, period.
But Wayne IS the closest to the description or opinion you are looking for.
A gel-coated car with a quality color gel coat works and works well. Take Roscoes car for example. It is georgeous! How ever if he left it outside in the weather, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, much like a boat it WILL start to fade in less than two years. Some in less than a year.
What you do not get is that "Two Foot" shine depth with gel coat. But... let me insert a little secret here. If you have a professional painter take that same gel-coated car, regardless of color, wet sand it all over with 600 grit, back and forth only please! No circles! Then use the new catalyzed clear coat over it, the look and finish will win you many, many trophy's!
A&C, Antique and Collectibles, in my opinion has the best gel-coat, paintable or colored in the industry.
A colored gel coat will save you about 5K in our shop
DV...one who has just slammed dunked his own body men