The coat was finished just in time for the cool spring and is back in use now. I didn't line it in the end and I'm happy with the result. To be more accurate, the pockets are lined, though the rest of the coat isn't! I made the 'no lining' decision after I'd done the pockets
I'm hoping the lining will help keep the pockets from stretching out of shape.
It's not too scratchy as there's always a clothing layer between fabric and skin. The unlined sleeves are wide enough that there's no difficulty putting the coat on. As for warmth, it's a between-seasons coat and is warm enough for that. It's definitely more of a coat, rather than a cardi/'coatigan'.