Hi,
I piece with Aurifil thread, basically the only thread I use as it's low lint, my machines love it, and my machine dealer loves it......cleaner machine means less problems!
I know Aurifil is higher priced, but it sure does seem to last and last. And, I figure I spent lots of money on my three machines and if it helps to maintain them, why not. I do sometimes use Gutermann cotton if I need a color I don't have in Aurifil....no one around me sells the small spools of Aurifil. For embroidery I use Sulky or Maderia....and I applique with emb. thread too sometimes. I use Aurifil for my hand binding, too. It just works good for me all around.
I think that it's a matter of what works the best for you and your machine and your wallet.
Bev
Bev