Air gap intake and heater hoses

I somewhat agree with that but I'm going to use the factory hose holder behind the alternator to keep everything still. Brass will last forever... I have brass frost plugs too.
The factory used steel because it's cheaper.
Well, brass frost plugs are fine. They are not being pushed/pulled by a hose connected on one end to the body and one end connected to the engine. But, since you have the brass fittings already, use them. Obviously, they are not really "wrong". It just isn't what I would have bought for the application.