Manual input to cycles: the ability to tweak a cycle or otherwise cause the machine to go into whatever mode I choose i.e. fill, wash/rinse, drain, spin.
The idea that once a program starts there's no way to tweak it or intervene would be a serious cause of frustration, like missing an exit on the freeway and being forced to drive miles out of the way before being able to turn back.
Not that I vary the routines terribly much (heh, I use a TT with oldschool timers, and an older TL with mechanical sequencer, so I could do if I wanted to, any time), but on those occasions where it's necessary, it's good to be able to turn the knobs and get the desired results.
Alternately, if a machine must operate according to defined programs in a microprocessor, it's acceptable if the manufacturer provides good information on exactly what those programs do and how they operate.
