Thanks for the link.
The text with the lining material says that this works really well with chrome springs & i can vouch for that, as the chrome is an ideal surface, but is not legal in some states as the chrome plating process induces a measure of "Hydrogen embritlement" into the surface of the plated steel. Since the main leaf locates the axle, a broken one can spoil your afternoon.

Now, it's unlikly that there would be many of us that would chrome their springs to improve ride quality, but for those that are thinking of it, check with your rego Nazi's first.

Jempson
I dunno about "kooky" but the use of a transverse spring in an independant front suspension is certainly uncommon, although i think Peugeot used this concept in a model or two. As long as the spring is nice & pliable, the ride will be good.
Datsuns use of the leaf spring in the front overcame a space limitation problem, where a short coil spring would have needed to be too stiff.