Silicone spray would dry too quickly IMO, AND it's BAD for paint. Many body shops prohibit it anywhere in the shop, as it causes fisheyes. I suppose if all painting has been done it might work.
I tried the lube that tire shops use, and then a glycerine based solution (a friend's grandkids stuff for blowing bubbles.) The ultimate solution on mine was to trim the dovetail on the windlace so it wasn't so tight. Used a razor knife for that and only cut myself once.
Wire pulling lube has been suggested, which is usually water soluble.
