I am hoping it is that simple for you. I do remember at least one time when I was sewing from a spool the top tread kept ? binding ? it would then ball up with the bobbin thread and break the needle. I didn't think about the way the thread was pulling (toward me or away from me). I just thought it was the little slice the mfg makes to hold the thread tip until we open it to use it. So I flipped it upside and it seemed to work. I will definitely put this tip/trick on my manual and on my fix-it list.
Do, please, put that little bit of oil on the needle holder rod. If you don't, you will when it siezes (freezes) up. You can check my posts if you want to see photos.
I will check in later.