LOL
Thanks, guys!!
Austin--Yes, there are new digs, with a laundry room. Only room for one set, alas! Nevertheless, I'm learning to love avocado.
These machines are from 1970, according to the 110.70 model number.
I agree with you Peter--the Vari-Flex has some deceptive settings. All the way out, and it's a butt-whoopin'; all the way in and on Delicates, and wet Kleenex couldn't roll over. But it gives you lots of interesting options--like running your delicates on Normal, with the retracted fins, so you still get good, gentle action.
I was afraid the machine was broken when I ran a blanket through on Delicates--until I realized that the Delicates button references the infamous agitate-stop-drain-fill-agitate Permanent Press cycle. How fun!
Venus--But of course you can push the buttons! :-D It's fun to push a bunch and see which options cancel automatically. For instance, the machine is absolutely loathe to give a cold rinse, and selecting almost any normal cycle kicks that button out.
Bob--Aw, you know Will would give permission for a little button-pushing ;-) Besides, we have a vertical spin-tube to test, and we don't want too much pre-rinsing to spoil the results :-D
Dick--Thank you

Gosh, it's satisfying to have this nice, decent set, after the Evil Kenmore™ from '61...though tearing this machine apart and redoing the innards created a serious sense of déja vù...
Toggle--Why don't we affix a nylon stocking to the outlet on the KitchenAid, and show Venus what it looks like after a no-pre-rinse load? We could chase her around with it :-D