I _really_ hope that's true, because I ended up buying a Speed Queen. Whether I fell for the hype or made a good choice will take a long time to learn. Price was roughly the same from the local dealer as for an on line purchase, the dealer has a parts and service department that maybe will be helpful. For even money, I went local.
I'd suggest that tumble drying is a major source of wear; just look in the lint trap. A short wash cycle won't hurt, if it gets things clean enough. On that basis I elected to keep the old dryer, which is almost never used, and spend the savings on a better washing machine.
The service manual question is still unresolved. I did notice that Dexter Laundry puts their manuals on-line gratis, but they don't have much of a dealer network and the machines are rather large. If there's need, maybe my dealer's service department will help.
Thanks to everybody who replied, this was a most interesting thread!
bob prohaska