Dave...here is a pic of my Brookville A bone. I'll be honest with you, people DO use the step plate and running boards, especially older people. My 84 year old mother in law lives with us and I try to take her for a ride at least once a month during the season. However, she's always stepping on the plate and running board because it's difficult for her to get into the tight space. Unfortunately, since they are made out of aluminum, the do show signs of use. I'm polishing the damn things all the time. Attached is a pic of my Abone. Hope it helps.

Pat