Newbie + Mercian

Right decision. Please don't powercoat it whatever happens! You'd be better off keeping the current paintwork and not worrying about chipping it.

I think he said it was the perfect size, unless I misread.

If you do manage to run to a fancy paint job (well worth it and given how much you've saved in buying it I'd seriously consider it) wrap it in helicopter tape afterwards. Virtually invisible and stops scratches.

I wish I'd known this before I started getting my nice expensive respray chipped :(

Any reason why you wouldn't powder coat? Is it because it's difficult to remove? Loss of definition in the lugs?
I recently got a ladies bike coated and the finish was brilliant, and as strong as an ox.