I would stick with the Aurifil for piecing if I were you. I piece with aurifil 50wt but it is a 2 ply thread so much finer than the essential cotton by Connecting threads. If you are used to piecing with such a fine thread you probably won't like piecing with a heavier thread weight. But for the price of their thread, why don't you just order a spool to test it out.
I find it way too linty for my LA but have used it when it was the perfect color. It is a good thread for the price.