I use fleece all the time because I don't make anything bigger than a lap quilt. I prefer the anti-pill because I don't like the look of pilling. I often use batting because I like the weight and heftiness of the resulting quilt, but I've gone without. I've also found other fleece that was really thick and then skipped batting.
I like Minky, too, but I find it just a little bit harder to work with and it doesn't come in a 60" wide width. Also, some brands of it shed like crazy when you cut it, which is annoying. But it is so soft! I think the Joann's brand is fine.
I also use that really really soft fabric that you find in throws that are store purchased. I don't know what the name is, but at Joann's I think it's Soft N Comfy? Anyway, I've found prehemmed throws at Ross for under $10 that are 50"x60". I use those often as well.