Hello I know you have some ans. to your question. But would like to share what I use. I also use the serger thread cone. Money saver and I have never got a quilt come apart from using it.
I did buy a stand alone for the cone and didn't like it. Found the Spool Tool and LOVE IT. I used the bottom of the stand alone but you don't have to use it. Cone can stand by itself. Here is a picture of it I have had no problems of tangle,breaking anything.
BillsBonBon