To be honest I'm not crazy about how they look without covers - part of the reason for powdercoating is just to make them look good enough to use without the covers. Then on top of the efficiency benefit I have the option to change the look by switching from original cover, to aftermarket cover, to no cover.
For anyone else wondering, it seems like the pressure from the plastic clips is enough to even damage powdercoating. I spoke to a local powdercoater who mentioned his customers did experience it and will only use without covers, and others have commented here:
After 100,500 miles on my beloved 2019 M3, I traded in "The Tesla" today for a new MY. I'm actually writing this from the waiting room in the Tesla dealership, waiting for the registration and plates to be transferred. In the last few weeks, I have read A LOT of threads on Gemini wheel covers...
teslamotorsclub.com