EYY said:
I don't think anybody said that using a scotch brite pad would have any effect on the coating itself at all. But doing this DOES remove the glazing which may prevent a new piston and rings from sealing as well as possible.
You may be thinking in pottery terms.
Glazing is not a "something", it is a "condition". Do you know how/why honing works, and when it is needed?
Bottom line: This is another vote for "do not hone nicasil plated cylinders."
Rings designed to run in plated cylinders do not need a honed surface.