For a couple years I worked at a company that mainly sold fasteners. Think nuts and bolts for residential, commercial and industrial use. They came in different grades (strength), materials and coatings based on usage (for example indoor or outdoor use).

I was told by other sales associates that “stain less” was more accurate than “stainless.” The reason being that if you expose stainless steel to water long enough, it will rust. However, it will take significantly longer to stain/rust compared to plain steel.

You want to use stainless steel in places where things will come into contact with water but not in situations where it will be submerged in water for long periods of time.

Your joke was pretty much how I was taught about stainless fasteners.

Sadly, no amount of money can teach a billionaire such simple things.