The seeds are sprinkled evenly throughout, but perhaps they're smaller than the seeds that cause problems in other battings? How could I tell?

I never noticed an issue with the seeds or the scrim in W&N. And I never paid attention to which side should be against the top or the bottom. I really don't know that it matters.

Regarding the QD batting that I had bearding issues - it was only during the hand-quilting process that I had bearding. Once the quilt was washed/dried I did not notice any bearding. But it was given to nephew for his new baby so I have no clue if they are using/washing it at this point.

Was it definitely bearding, or could it have been fluff detaching from the bits of batting around the edge and straying over the quilt?

Well, I made up a block from binding scraps and layered it, and I reckon I'll keep this half metre for little odds and ends, table mats and such. It's a bit too stiff and sturdy for ideal hand quilting. Manageable for a short time, but I wouldn't want to do a whole quilt in it. Also it seems to be depositing fluff on the fabric remarkably fast.

Right now the stitching is helping me deal with the stress of a fabric bleed! Gorgeous quilt in citrus colours, mostly batiks, and the whole thing has been tinged a little green, making the yellows look dull. It's currently soaking in a basin of hot soapy water to think about what it's done.