Hi Joe,
Sorry for your troubles! I don't like Essential threads...they aren't (essential), at least in my house. However, I do use Superior threads almost exclusively and I love them. King Tut is a fav, as is the newer Omni (poly-wrapped poly core) and Glide, 100% polyester also from Superior. I have had really good luck and low lint with all of these. In this day and age, to have to put up with spliced thread is just not necessary, and I won't do it. I have had a couple of manufacturers I have quit buying because of those kinds of problems...and I think C&C is one of them. Good luck!