You're making this way too complicated
You've done enough research to last 3 lifetimes. You need to consider the real definition of value and understand that washing clothes is not rocket science.
Garments, for years now, are comprised of cotton/rayon/polyester/dacron/etc.
Second, perspiration, dirt, grime, dust, sand, grass stains, mud, oil and the like are the same was they have been for years. In other words they make garments dirty today, in 2014 just like they did in 1914.
Third, to remove #2 above, you need A. Water B. Enough to move the garments through it. C. Sufficient temperature. D. Correct amount of detergent.
Fourth, Sanitize, steam, etc are useless. There is no evidence, none whatsoever, that proves we need to start "sanitizing" our garments in the wash. No one has gotten ill from "unsanitary" laundry.
Fifth, a multitude of cycles based upon the logic of gee, 3 options are good, but 13 are even better, is foolhardy. And needlessly complicated.
Sixth, you need to consider how much time you want to invest in doing laundry. Sure the new machines use less water than the old school tanks, won't argue that. But do you really want to double or even triple your time involved in doing laundry?
Seventh, do you want to invest in additional "cleaners" to clean the friggin machine that is supposed to clean your laundry? Do you want to waste time, water, and money running a "cleaning" cycle on a FL or HE TL machine? How exactly is that "efficient"? No one seems to know.
Now here's our object lesson for today:
It's 1975. Shag carpets are in as are catalytic converters. All in the Family is #1 in the Nielsen ratings.
Happy homemaker takes laundry basket to washer. Sorts by color. Picks up a tshirt or sweatshirt. Fabric is 80% cotton 20% polyester. Garment instructions state, in part, machine wash warm, tumble dry low, warm iron if needed, use no chlorine bleach. Happy homemaker follows instructions and uses her 1970's era machine and laundry comes out clean.
Flash forward to 2014. Shag carpets are out and I have no clue who's #1 in the Nielsen ratings. Happy homemaker takes laundry basket to washer. Sorts by color. Picks up a tshirt or sweatshirt. Fabric is 80% cotton 20% polyester. Garment instructions state, in part, machine wash warm, tumble dry low, warm iron if needed, use no chlorine bleach. Happy homemaker follows instructions and uses her 1970's era machine and laundry comes out clean.
See any difference?