Mainly I sew with Aurifil (50wt cotton) as top thread and Bottom Line (60wt poly) as bobbin thread.
I also like Mettler 60wt cotton embroidery thread if I'm sewing a finer (thinner) fabric.

I've never had problems with the Coats & Clark, but have found that the dollar store cheapie stuff did not work well for either hand or machine sewing...too much breakage. Have not tried any of the more expensive brands yet, maybe someday.

Yes, I found Connecting Threads too linty, love Aurafil, I even hand applique with it!!!!

I tried Aurafil & my older machine didn't like it. Went back to C&C, my 1961 500a Rocketeer loves it, as does my Brother 7700. If it ain't broke ........ :-)

I love Aurifil threads. There's very little lint and my machines love them too.

I use Coats and Clarks 30 wt. machine quilting thread for piecing and quilting. It's reasonable and available in lots of colors. I like to use the machine quilting thread for piecing as it's stronger than regular thread and I want my quilts to last a long, long time.

I use Dual Duty Coats and Clark and I buy it by the box from Atlanta Thread. Much cheaper than even Walmart.
For redwork dishtowels that are going to end up being bleached I even use it on my embroidery machine. Gives a nice look. Can't complain about any aspect of it. Always does a good job on all 4 of my machines. I do use a variety of other threads for other purposes, but that is my normal piecing thread. Reminds me down to a couple spools of my regulars - need to order more.

I buy mainly one thread for it all; Aurofil. It's strong; low lint. It works for anything you want to do from piecing to quilting and applique. I buy other thread for embroidery but if I had to buy only one thread it would be Aurofil. I have a regular machine as well as a Viking Ruby and a Mega quilter and they all like Aurofil.

I use Aurfil and love it. Before that I used Coats & Clark and although I was okay with it, when I tried Aurfil I was sold. It may look expensive but it lasts a long time. I often get at least a quilt with it, many times more than 1 quilt.

I use many different threads. I love to piece my top with Coats and Clarks. I like to machine FMQ with Connecting Threads or with King Tut depending on what I'm quilting. I find that these work well on my machine - but I would tell you to experiment. With threads and needles until you come up with a combination that works for you.