One benefit of using tig is visibility (smoke). SMAW is not a great solution for small welds. Pre-heat and post heat are however.

Ultrasonic cleaning can help clean out the pits quite a bit, but like welding a cracked aluminum casting, it is very difficult to get all of the inclusions out.

I've been thinking of setting up to do some micro welding. I think I would make a box, and fill it with N2 or an Ar mix and do all the prep work down in the box.

For me, it's definately a cosmetic procedure.

Out there doing it best I can.