It may appear that I'm being pedantic

but the fact that the bores were masked proves the process had no effect upon altering the
surface finish of the bore. I'm glad that you were cautious in protecting any journal as I cannot personally find any information suggesting that the process does not have
some effect. My guess is that it does, although nothing to the extent that bead blasting will

& I would suggest that vibratory tumbling with ceramic media & vapour blasting are likely the best all round options to utilise.
However, the companies that exist to offer such a service will usually state that another factor that comes about, more often considered a benefit, is that:
"Tumbling provides a certain amount of stress relief"In the instance of virtually any metal part, machined castings included, finished journals are therefore likely to be subject to some distortion.
The clever solution of heating up to a consistent temperature throughout the casing was far better than localised heating & yielded results & a surprising low temperature. Should an oven be considered as a workshop option, what with the benefits of elevating temperatures with DIY tyre changes involving one piece rims?
Anyway, one lesson that I admit to learning decades ago & bears repeating is that with any extractor that relies upon a screw for the process will be dramatically improved with the addition of a bearing/bearings to negate friction.....