F&P is actually completely independent design from GE or Haier (Although the latter do own a share in them now).
The F&P Direct-Drive system or "SmartDrive," has been around for at least 15-20 years now.
I have family whose machines are still operational after about the same amount of time (Which have been used on Cold water washes too. Ugh), with repairs only made because of mice trouble.
We have at least 2 members here with older machines both running flawlessly (and another Aussie with a very early model SmartDrive OR late-model "Gentle Annie")
I believe LG was offering a very long warranty on their drive system too, but the trouble with insuring the drive system is that it is probably the least likely to break (Since when did a simple washer transmission made of metal break at such a young age?)
Whilst a longer warranty means a manufacturer trusts their product longer, I have seen comments here that suggest the transmission is not the weak point - the tub seal for the agitator is actually going to fail before the transmission ever gave thought to breaking down.
Now - If you want more options on the SQ, PLEASE get the machine before they phase out the timers. The newer machines with electronic controls turn the laundry completely into "Set/Forget," much like their FL brethren. Maybe some people like that sort of machine - but I'm sure most people would like at least a little customisation of their cycles.
What I mean is, there is NO customisation, aside from 3-4 cycles and temperature. Not like traditional machines, where you could set the speed, agitation times, spin-speed, temperature, extra rinses and so forth. The agitation times, spin-speeds (but not temperature) are controlled by some programmer. And while your clothes WILL be clean, you cannot adjust for lighter washes, heavier washes and so on, so you might have to do some extra soaking, or reset the machine for extra cycles to achieve great results.
The big question here will be the Timer versus Electronic Control debate. Are SQ's timers really as good as people think? Will their electronics be of the same quality, or not? Only time will tell, unfortunately.
Again, in about a years time as SQ move away from customisation to "Set/Forget" washers, these F&P machines will still offer a lot of customisable features for the end-user.
I'm not sure if SQ will have to use ATC as they make this switch in machines.
I'm not sure what your opinions of Front-Loaders are, but depending on what you chose in that regard, perhaps you'd be more pleased.
Certainly, your clothes will be as clean, if not more clean (and better rinsed) and I imagine you'd notice savings on your utilities and clothes bills too.
In the realm of FL machines, one must be careful to avoid the "Black Plastic Crap" plague that seems to affect many of the lower-end models and brands. Such machines also temper the water to such an extent to providing dismal washing results, without user intervention. Unfortunately, those machines may provide too-short a cycle to provide adequate time for enzymes to work their magic, and coupled with cool temperatures will be useless as washing anything more than "Not Soiled."
Here in Australia, it seems that machines are actually mandated to provide a particular level of cleaning, whilst also rinsing properly AND conserving resources. If the machines do not meet these guidelines, they cannot be sold (Someone Australian please correct me if I'm wrong. I take this information from posts by other Australian members here). So, the SQ front-loaders offered here do not have the very short cycles as they do in the U.S. They simply cannot clean in such a time. They run for about 90minutes or more, if memory serves me correct. So at least the lack of a heater is made-up for in this instance.
