I am not interested in participating, just voice an opinion: why BO but not more durable tool coating like TiAlN? Only a few micron thick while retaining surface finish.
Price mostly. TiAIN is a more expensive coating and with each different type of steel the process is different also. Not sure but also on springs it may not be the best solution since the ti coating is extremely hard, so the constant bending and flexing would more than likely crack.