yarn tail (opinion on yarn)

So, I've asked yarn tail questions before -- and while I've got a few techniques down that I like (and more I'd like to try in the future) I've got a question for all you other yarn tail makers out there. What types/brands of yarn do you use? Honestly, I'm -most- interested in the yarns that are the most "durable" and least likely to get messy and matted. Shininess is nice .. but in my opinion not most important to me. A lot of people swear by I Love this Yarn (and while I've got some leftovers I -do- plan on using up) it's a brand that (supply issues aside..it seems like they run out of stock on a lot of their colors) I'd like to switch out with something else.

I guess in a nutshell I'm wondering if anyone here prefers synthetic yarn to stuff like wool? I personally would -love- to use more wool .... but that stuff is waaaaay expensive. I use a blended yarn occasionally called Vanna's choice which I like ... but that is a bit pricey and the skeins you get are smaller .. plus..while close is not what I'm looking for.

Yes, I understand the nature of yarn tails is higher maintenance and they're going to be subject to getting messy, but I'm just looking to see if you guys have had any luck with any particular kind and would be willing to share. I've got enough yarn as it is, I'd really like to avoid buying more for experimentation purposes unless I absolutely have to. ;)