I quit using graphite as well.....except it was 30 years ago when we went away from finger pickups to vac planters.  Since then we have used the 80/20 talc/graphite products.  Sometimes I think its a waste and pointless but I still use it at a lower than recommend rate for two reasons.  I don't have CCS flow issues and it helps with consistent seed release off the seed plate.  I won't say it is worth multiple percentage points of singulation but it does seem to keep it consistent, especially when I'm planting large seed. 

Regarding the seed tubes.  Wave vision tubes are specifically designed to read only seeds and not dust.  I used them for a few years and that are significantly better than Deere OEM tubes and sensors.  I can't speak for CNH.  Since you are organic and it is dry I suspect your conditions were very dusty.  That will make the sensors be very eratic but it is only for reporting and has nothing to do with control.  It won't adjust your rate based on the seed tube readings.

What version of software are you running? 2025 has been very stable for me.  I think 2024 is the same.  Don't use 2026 unless your dealer tells you to.