Well all I can say, Matt, is that in my general experience the best modern day machines do indeed seem to be Miele, and I personally think that they are the best. They certainly are more than brand image, and are of far higher quality than most other brands. I personally don't care about the name badge on the appliance, it's what's inside and it's reliability that counts. And I'm sorry to say but as much as I try to like cheap machines their low quality just screams right out. Name me a damn good cheap washer that'll last. The answer will be that most modern day machines won't. I've worked in the appliance field and have seen loads of Indesits, Hotpoints, even some cheaper Zanussi machines that see a death in less then 2 or 3 years. Miele, as well as Bosch and the more decent end of Electrolux machines seem to be the only machines that will last nowadays. That said, you do see cheaper machines that do last, but they tend to only be used by couples or old lady's living on their own... go figure.
Anyway, it's interesting to see that you've just signed up on this website without a welcome first to everyone else, to directly jump in and have a go at me.
Jon