I can't help in recommendations for needle sizes, a 10 between is pretty darn small no matter how you look at it. I actually quilt with a size 11 which is downright miniscule! I find the Roxanne brand seem to be easier to thread.
As far as batting, I do find cotton very hard to needle, especially if it has a scrim on it like Warm and Natural brand. Very hard for me to get tiny consistent stitches with it. I have hand quilted quite successfully with poly bats and 80/20 blends. Some handquilters like the drag of cotton. Many rave over wool but I have yet to try it. Since getting my longarm I doubt any more hand quilted quilts are in my future.