Macboy, because it's a Hydrowave, I have no idea how long it'll last.
They did have issues with the mode selectors jamming in one position, so they'd be stuck in spin mode. As a result, the agitator wouldn't work properly and the inner tub would just spin back and forth.
I do agree that these tubs do dull with use, I think that's just a fact of life. I think any Stainless Steel tub will. In saying that, don't let the tub weld discourage you, these tubs are built very well. Whether or not they could withstand a 1000 RPM spin is a whole other matter though.
I don't really see a point to the ribbing on the inner tub though, I don't honestly see how it makes clothes cleaner.
I also have to admit that the selection for "Colors" as a temperature is kind of unique. Maybe it's just a way to make things easier for the housewife.
I will admit that is one thing that always bothered me about the GE's is how they have these dials with multiple detents that don't really do anything. For example, the "Super" cycle on my machine actually has three detents which can select the super cycle, even though it doesn't need them.
My guess is that it's cheaper to put in multi-detent selectors and then set up the programming so that those positions all do the same thing.