Spark Plugs: Nickle vs Others

[Alberta Tahoe]

Others being Iridium or Platinum.
AC Delco R44LTSM is the old school stuff. Almost exactly what I run in my hot rod small block Chevy.
That said, while this plug IS available and spec'd for the 2003 Tahoe 5.3L (LM7) so too are the NGKs, ( It seems all of the relevant part numbers are now superceded by 41-110). There are also offerings from Bosch, Denso, et al.
The question here is, other than the longevity that the platinum or iridium provide, what's the difference? I fully expect that this particular engine won't see another 50 thousand miles. I'm chasing a random misfire and I suspect the current plugs have been in there twice as long as they should have been. The far less expensive nickle plug (at about a 70% discount) seems a fair choice if that longevity isn't taken into account.
Thoughts?

 

[SnowDrifter]

I run NGK iridiums in mine. I'd think other materials would work too but reduced lifespan. Copper plugs for example are toast after 20k. I'm unfamiliar w/ nickel

 

[Alberta Tahoe]

I think this supplier is using the word nickle even though it is a conventional copper plug (which would be nickle plated copper). Funny, back in the day we never distinguished plugs other than brand (and spec).
And the longevity thing is the deal breaker here. 20k might be beyond the lifespan of this heap. At least in my hands anyway.

 

[wjburken]

Your “copper” plugs are typically nickel plated. They run cooler and don’t last as long.

You Platinum and Iridium run hotter and can burn deposits off better to prevent fouling of the plug.

 

[Alberta Tahoe]

Kind of what I was thinking. It's all about lifespan. Although the ability to run cleaner does have it's advantages outside of that.

 

[rockola1971]

I run the bosch platinum in mine. Just replaced the ones in my Yukon Denali 6.0l and they were $2.56 each at rockauto.