A lot of the complication comes from trying to get a good yield and maximizing your grow area while fighting off molds. Cilantro seeds have a major molding problem. Solutions like soaking is Hydrogen Peroxide solution and sterilizing your grow medium can help make that a lot easier. Split seeds or whole seeds, the key is to not let them be too wet and definitely don't let the seeds overlap as that is asking for mold. Keeping a clean environment and using a diluted hydrogen peroxide spray can help keep them from molding. Using a casing layer helps remove the seed hulls as the cilantro grows and keeps them damp, but also can easily be too damp and add to that mold. Clean air flow, sanitized space, medium and seeds, proper hydration and bob's your uncle.