I've owned both the Norge and Signature versions of this machine. The agitator action was very aggressive, being rapid and having a large arc. Oddly, the rollover was excellent on full loads with the high water level set. Small and medium loads tended to slosh back and forth violently rather than roll over. These machines had,(and needed) active lint filters, meaning water was forced through the filter pan by pump or agitator action. (burpolator)
From a motor and transmission standpoint, these were very sturdy washers. Their biggest weakpoint seems to have been their timers.
I'm guessing that the reason there are so many people (and the dog) hanging around the machine is because they haven't yet all been frightened away by the brake solenoid.