Steve, re: elixirs-

I fingerpick almost exclusively, so I haven't had any problems with the coating peeling or whatever. Actually, most of the people I know don't care for the elixirs as much, but they've also been playing for a gazillion years and were brought up on the feel of the naked string! Although I'm 41, I've only been playing a couple years and love the feel. I change them about once every 2-3 months- mostly when they start looking really grungy. (I'm not good about wiping them down after playing.) I've tried the Martin coated strings, didn't care for them as much- I got a lot of finger squeaks.

I would guess I average an hour a day playing, so to me they last longer than uncoated strings, but even if they didn't I'd probably still use them because I like the feel and comfort level. Perhaps they're just not compatible with the acidity in your skin or something? I'd try a different brand and see if you have the same problem.

My other thought would be dropping them a line and letting them know the problem you had- if nothing else, you may get a free set of strings out of it- they may have been genuinely defective!

happy picking

Jim