Fading color is nothing to worry about---usually doesn't affect the strength of the braid.
If you have a good load of Power Pro, stick with it. If you get an infamous "mystery break-off" when the line is brand new, junk it. Wind it back on the spool and send it back to the company.
Bill, that's not good to hear about the QC issues with Trilene. I still use mono a lot and Big Game has always been my go-to line. I thumb the side of the spool on most of the conventionals I have, so my thumb usually doesn't touch the line except on my Calcutta
