I'm hearing stories of inferior quality printed versions that fade quickly....don't want to get caught out.

Absolutely NO reason for this to be happening at all... the print would be as good as the original file size.. put it this way - you need a LARGE file to get good quality prints the size of a pinball cabinet... as for fading - tut tut.... each print SHOULD be laminated in UV resistant clear... makes it much easier to apply as the print is nice and thick etc, plus it prevents fade etc...