i don't notice any more flat spots in the strings or dead strings than other frets. i play with a light touch on tall frets, almost like playing a scalloped neck. maybe if you can't play with finesse? i dunno. alternatively i notice flat spots in frets on almost all guitars i pick up with nickel frets. would you rather buy cheap strings often or expensive fret work often?
i've never installed frets, i would say i have the skills but i would rather buy a new neck than take the time, that's just me though... but seems techs need to learn some metal working. if you can't find flush end cutters tough enough, and i admit stainless wire can be tough on these types of tools if it's in a hardened state, try something different. tool up to do the job properly instead of complaining it's too hard... if it were me i'd make a wooden V block to support the neck so it doesn't rock and cut the excess with a fine tooth band saw blade. they also make file blades for band saws so you can leave a bit, then get it closer a little at a time before you finish it by hand with a quality hand file or stone. if you are re fretting a set neck you may try an occilating saw like they use in the medical industry to cut the last fret ends. the cool thing is that with a cutting or ginding attachment these saws only cut hard material while leaving flesh mostly unharmed, you ca protect the finish with leather. saws have little trouble with stainless if you buy quality blades and know your sfpm (surface feet per minute), the oscilating saw can use abasive atachments to cut as well. there is a science behind cutting metal, if you learn the science you can become better in your craft.
there is a misconception that stainless is hard and needs diamond tools. this is actually a bad idea. diamond is carbon and has an affinity for iron, you will waist an expensive tool fast. it is best for non metalic parts like ceramic, or bone or other nut materials.. it may work ok on non fearous metals but genrally isn't needed for any metal work. traditional files should work on stainless if they are fine and cross cut but for finnishing you will need an abrasive. standard abrasives like silicon carbide or even aluminum oxide are fine for stainless.
