Numerous models have been proposed that treat the stability of lithium metal plating in cells that use a solid electrolyte, and the conditions under which dendrite initiation and propagation can be suppressed. These models treat a variety of systems (e.g., liquid electrolytes, solid polymer electrolytes, and inorganic electrolytes both with and without grain boundaries) and types of physical processes (e.g., current and potential distributions, elastic and plastic mechanics) . However, one underlying challenge for all lithium plating stability models is the lack of validation for the predictions they make about stability. This talk will provide an overview of previously developed stability models, highlight the gaps in the physical processes and practical operating conditions they address, and describe experimental methods being pursued and that may be pursued to provide the critical experimental feedback required for the validity of stability models to ultimately be assessed. A number of practical issues and perspectives gained from the time the author served as a Program Director at ARPA-E working in the area of lithium metal batteries will also be included.