I have 5 Hercules stands, had one get sticky and disintegrate; 2 of the others are getting sticky, expect they will disintegrate soon.
I have an Ultimate that has held up well.
I have 4 of the Fender stands that I got for $16 each on STOD; can't complain about them.
For gigging, I've been...
I've always detested pearloid, but I think it might look pretty good on mine (still might go with tort). I have a Fender Rascal with white pearloid, and I have to admit, it looks good on it.