I have 2 Pfaff's also. I seem to use the IDT when piecing unless it is a curved seam.
I used to hold the threads tightly away from me when i started sewing but with the arthritis I now use a leader/spider/piece of cloth to get started and chain piece as much as possible.
I do use the single hole throat plate for piecing. I just replace it with the wider throat plate when I want to use other stitches than straight or want to move the needle over.
I did widen the hole on my 1/4" guide foot with flange using a small round file from Home Depot. This way I can move the needle over 1 [or 2] spaces if I want and still it works with the single hole plate. I check it first to make sure the needle clears the hole before I sew.
Unfortunately the throat plate is made of strong metal and the single hole can not be enlarged. Oh well.
ali