I googled auto coasting again -
the reason why people were saying its bad to coast in automatic in neutral is that the transmissions oil pump is not being driven, therefore the transmission is not getting sufficient lubrication.
Other people say this is an issue only with older cars, and other people say that the engine drives the oil pump for the transmission so its okay to run the car in neutral while moving.
Confuddled
But your experience proves its fine on a 1997 car!