The cone thread holders are around 6 bucks, and they are easy to use. Mine comes apart to store.
I have a lot of cone thread cones from industrial sewing that will take years to use up, but use Gutterman for piecing. I also tend to use a better thread for actual quilting, where I do not want to re-do it a few years down the road.
For potholders and decorative items, things with a limited life span, thread would not be as important as a bed quilt used and washed for years.