Sounds like more an issue than just the scotchbrite. I use it all the time on stainless and let the stainless air dry. Never had an issue with stainless molding unless it was never cleaned in the first place.
Have you 'cleaned' through the passivation layer...
Really like the idea and have a spare sanke sitting around waiting for this kind of solution...however have a 4 week old son so not sure when I will be brewing regularly again.
Subscribed though so I can find you in the future hopefully.