An enhanced microfabricated spring contact structure and associated method comprises improvements to spring structures above the substrate surface, and/or improvements to structures on or within the substrate. Improved spring structures and processes comprise embodiments having selectively formed and etched, coated and/or plated regions, which are preferably further processed through planarization and/or annealment. Improved substrate structures and processes typically comprise the establishment of a decoupling structure on at least one surface of the substrate, and electromechanical fulcrum connections between elastic core members, e.g. stress metal springs, through defined openings in the decoupling structure toward electrically conductive pathways in the support substrate.