Hi Neil, 
 
3 microns of gold is a lot of gold. As mentioned earlier, 1 to 1.25 microns  
of low stress nickel worked for the BetaPhase connectors which use flex in  
their construction. 1 micron of gold should be enough depending on how many  
insertions  are expected.  
 

The plating appears very bright and brighteners have been shown  to be a 
potential  indicator create stress.
 
Werner's  comments on the copper are important to follow up on.  

What is the purpose of the metal nub in the trace that is partially cover  
coated? 
 
Though it is provided with a radius in the transition is could be acting  as 
stress riser as there is not a counter point / balancing  feature on the other 
side. 
 
Only the outer trace fails, yes? 
 
Good luck, 
Joe



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