Traditional TL Washer vs a Front Load Washer
I would dough that anyone with both would use the TL as their main machine, a good FL washer just works so much better, I have had FL and Traditional TL machines for many years and the FLers get most of the use.
The basic design of a traditional TL washer as used in the US was conceived with the idea that the wash water would be used for at least 2 or 3 loads of clothing [ TL AWWs came from wringer washers and NOBODY that used WWs ever threw the water out after one batch of clothing was washed ]. To get decent cleaning out of a TL washer you have to use enormous amounts of detergent, water and heat all this water, just to begin to get the performance of a good FL washer.
I always drain the wash water from two loads in the FLers or my WP Calypso into a traditional TLer to start a load, otherwise the TLer never gets used.
And a TL washer while they can wash most items of clothing very well have a terrible time washing balky items like , coats, heavy bedding, jeans, these items just do not get washed uniformly in a TL washer without using huge amounts of washer and possible clothing damage.
If I could have only one machine I would get a machine that would excel at all laundry tasks, and the WP-MT FL washers are very good choices, with reasonable care you should get between 10-20 years use out of them. The SQ FL washer should easily last 2 to 3 times as long as the regular high volume brands,. but then again many of us might get bored with a washer after 30+ years LOL.
If you buy the MT or WP FLers and feel the need to buy a service contract, YOU are buying the wrong machine, by skipping the silly contract you will not only save money but possibly a lot of time and aggravation, John.