I hadn't heard about that , it would explain why it seems so weak when I buy a National brand. I prefer a rich dark grind and sometimes get it at my local Farmers Market where they grind it right there for you at your preferred size.
I've been making my coffee with a bit of Allspice and Cardamon brewed with it and love the taste. I found out much later this was a Middle Eastern way of brewing coffee with these other 'berries' added in.
Do you remember what 'fillers' they were using? I can't get flavored coffee because the flavorings might contain gluten and I have Celiac's disease.
As far as the French Press, I've had all kinds of Drip Coffee makers and my most recent was a $500 one from Italy that you could grind your beans in (and program it to do so right before brewing). It was OK, but the filter change and cleaning became such a chore. I then had cut down on drinking coffee and after Hubby had taken his for the day I found I was tossing down the drain most of what was brewed, a waste. So I looked for something and found a pod single serve maker like you find in Hotels. This worked well until I couldn't find the pods any longer and the do it yourself ones didn't seal properly so on with the search.
I then discovered a simple, not mechanical, non electric way of making coffee , enter the French Press. It is so simple to use and you can use it anywhere as long as you have access to boiled water. You make what you need, use less coffee and it only takes 4 minutes to brew a pot. Under $25US, cleans easily, takes up little space and goes right to the table.
Smooth.......................