Like all fabrics there is a wide variety of qualities. I've made flannel quilts that are 15-20 years old, much used and loved that still have not pulled. Lint was not a problem making them, they are soft, cozy, lofty and wonderful.
I purchase good quality double sided flannels, meaty and fairly tightly woven. Benartex are my favorites, moda Woolies too.

This post is close to two years old...

I've used flannel to back some of my quilts so they won't just slide off the bed on a restless night. That being said, I don't use JAF flannel, I use quilt shop quality flannel which is much more tightly woven & haven't had any trouble with pilling yet.