I have a new-ish (april of this year) Tin Lizzie. My machine is very accepting of any thread I've tried. I don't seem to have any breakage or tension issues. Up until now, I've used all cottons, but just purchased a spool of the connecting threads poly, which I'm going to try this weekend. I also broke down and bought a cone of King Tut, just to see what all the fuss is about.
So far I've used CT, Coats, Signature, RA, Gutterman and Marathon. All 40 wt. All seem to kick out the same amount of lint. I thoroughly clean my bobbin race each time I change the bobbin.