That doesn’t sound like a problem I’ve encountered, can you be more specific? It’s easy as hell to mar the surface and requires careful handling but I wouldn’t call that flaking.
When I first tried Harman Gloss Baryta back in 2013, I liked it better than any baryta on the market because of its very white paper base. Many on LULA prefer Canson Baryta Photographique and Ilford Gold Fiber Silk Baryta, which are warmer than Harman. I don't.
But then after printing a photo, I would notice a small chip of ink flake off the paper revealing a spot of pure white paper underneath. The size of a water drop. Much like when a projectile pebble chips paint off your car. It wouldn't happen all the time, but when you print 17x22", you get angry when it does happen because the print is no good after that. Eventually, I got fed up and switched to Epson Exhibition Fiber, which is my current favorite for printing everything, especially B&W. Some on LULA said they had the same problem with Harman Gloss Baryta. They also complained of this paper easily scratching from normal handling. Although, I suspect scratching can be prevented by being extra careful. The flaking, however, cannot be prevented. And as far as curling goes, I did not have a problem, but then I don't use rolls.
A few years later I read on LULA that the entire Harman line was discontinued, so I'm rather confused why B&H is still selling Harman paper today. Perhaps Harman has reformulated and relaunched some of their paper varieties. Perhaps B&H found a truckload of misplaced old stock in their warehouse. I don't know.
Recently I read on LULA that Hahnemuhle is now selling the same paper under a different name called Hahnemuhle Photo Gloss Baryta. I remember one person saying that he noticed the new brand is much less prone to flaking and scratching than the old.
I considered taking advantage of B&H's 50% discount and buy a few boxes of Harman Baryta, but opted not to for these reasons.
1. I'm not sure if this paper has been discontinued or not.
2. I'm not sure if this paper has been improved or not.
3. I have not yet tried Hahnemuhle Photo Gloss Baryta
4. B&H does not sell Harman Baryta in 8.5"x11" size
5. 50% discounts scare me. There must be a catch.
6. I'm satisfied with Epson Exhinpbition Fiber.