In 1974 I bought a GE washer and dryer; just a few years ago I had to replace the washing machine (mine don't 'match' either). The old washer had a lint tray on top of the agitator that the water would recycle through; it was GREAT; I could wash raggy quilts in it; it caught all the threads and loose pieces of fabric; also stuff I picked up in the yard while mowing (grass, etc) and Kleenex left in pockets. Now they no longer make them with the lint/dirt collector. I have a basic one that replaced it; the paint is already coming off the top edge; I HATE this machine. I even wrote to GE and asked why they'd quit making such a great product.
I DO still have the dryer; because I can FIX it myself. Belt and heating elements and luckily I can still get the parts.
I'm with all of you; give me the old stuff; that was sturdy and could be repaired. We are in a throw-away society. It's TERRIBLE. Well for me it is.