Having the dishwasher connected to the garbage disposal can cause premature rust and corrosion of the unit. I think it is now recommended that the DW be connected to the drain, not the disposal. That is, unless you spend the money for an all stainless steel model that would resist the corrosion better.
I wouldn't connect the dw to cold water. Heating doesn't happen in all phases of the cycle. Imagine the cracked glasses when the machine goes from a 160 degree wash into a 60 degree (or colder) rinse.
I have a '96 WP that I love. However, with thin little Correllware, it was great and everything fit perfectly. Since then, I have upgraded to Fiestaware, and it don't fit so good. I'd love a Miele, Bosch or even the new LG's, but looking at the racks, I think the Fiestaware will have an even more ill fit in these machines.
I do not like the Maytags. Way to flimsy for me. The new GE's seem to be pretty good, seeing as how GE is trying to improve their quality. Peteski has one, I believe, and praises it. I have heard that the tall tub WP and KA machines are not nearly as good as the regular tub models.