We have had 2 sets of front loaders in the last 20+ years. The first were Whirlpool Duet. When the laundry/bathroom was being remodeled, we took them out and gave them away - 16 years old and working perfectly. Current set is Samsung. They are okay, but pump in washer had to be replaced at about 4 years. They really have more features on them than I use or need.
Our daughter has a top load, water saving Maytag. I hate it. I am 5'6", and struggle to reach the bottom. Clothes often come out with spots that are completely dry. Worse yet, it stinks to high heaven. I've never had that happen with either of my front loaders. My guess (and that's all it is) is that with so little water, soap builds up in the drum outside of the tub. Mold loves soap.