Here is my two cents. I agree with everything said here about handquilting thread. That is a big no no and it is definitely not meant for machines of any kind.
I use C&C all purpose or heavy duty thread all in neutrals for piecing. On the few occasions I've attempted machine quilting, I use machine quilting thread and I have usually gotten it for more money at the LQS because they are nice enough to explain the thread they carry than at JoAnns when they just want you to hurry up and buy already.
I think since you are a beginner, you can work with the C&C all purpose for a while and then experiment with other threads if you want. All I require of piecing thread is that it not jam up my machine and it holds the seam. I cannot buy those more expensive threads yet. But I'm hoping to catch Connecting Threads when they have a sale.