I generally treat chrome like paint, although I do still have some metal polishes on the shelf. The clay bar is great for removing a lot of baked-in specks, followed by your favorite polish. I do really like Clearkote's metal polish, and Poorboy's Pro polish is good as well. If you decide on abrasive over chemical, I love Menzerna IP and FPII.
I avoid steel wool, but that's a personal preference. I tried #0000 on a chrome exhaust tip once and it scratched the surface. Could've been cheap plating, but since then I've stayed away from it. Some tips (stainless too) take more elbow grease, but I've never really had complaints with the results. I have seen the results of a jeweler's rouge kit on embedded stains, and the next time I see one on sale I'll have to take the plunge.