So long as they are happy, that is what matters in the end.

Popcorn that way is really a major comfort food for many people.

I don't know how popular popcorn is where you are. I know that in Britain for a while, it was considered a "gourmet" thing.

Here some people eat it every day... in businesses with microwaves in the lounge, one can smell it all day long! LOL
While it can be intoxicating while popping...the smell is soooo good... but sometimes people over nuke it, and the resulting burn smell permeates the whole building. That is one major downside for me.

I also think popcorn is one major food that sends people to the dentist. I know a gal who cracked two molars on poorly popped corn and had to get crowns! When I have it I am very very careful!

If and when you decide to experiment with coatings, I'd be interested. So do please post if you do.