Header coatings, how necessary?

Neighbor I helped in NJ years ago with his drag car had his headers Jet Hot coated. Never had a single problem with them....until some knucklehead kicked them off the trailer at the track one day when said knucklehead had to replace a head gasket...the damage to the finish was minimal. Was nice to be able to shut the motor off, lift the hood off and work near them without fear of getting burned...just make sure that your hands are clean when you touch them, and you have no oil leaks above them. If you heat them with any oil on them they will stain...