I prefer the brass. It is self cleaning each time you insert it, resistant to corrosion, brass fittings were common on ships, and not a thin layer as in the plating. I would suggest that the brass model is the more expensive item.
AFAIK, brass is used as a special purpose conductor in some applications, mostly as it has better mechanical properties and corrosion resistance than copper and aluminum, with a modest loss of electrical conductivity (it is roughly on-par with aluminum).
likewise, it is more resistant against mechanical wear than plate (since, under the brass, is, more brass).
so, it is reasonably good for things like electrical connectors, or in some obscure cases, like sometimes for electrical wiring in marine applications (less issues with corrosion in salty environments than normal copper wire).
IIRC, there is also some applicability for things meant to work in corrosive environments (acidic or caustic), though potting things (typically with epoxy) is apparently also fairly common here.
ADD: a nickel plating on the brass is also fairly common to further improve its corrosion resistance.