<human>: It's a long story, but we're looking for a new washer - our 4th in as many years, and I'm at my wits end trying to decide which way to go: top load or front.

We started off with a top-load "classic" agitator model, built like a tank. We bought it used and it lasted for years, but the outer tank started rusting out so it was done.

Next up we had a front loader, and it was nothing but trouble in every way. We were constantly fighting stagnent water and grunge that would build up on the door baffle, and it just seemed like the whole door system was poorly designed and would never drain right. The washer was also buggy... literally. I think it came with a colony of cockroaches that took up residence in the control boards and resisted all attempts at extermination. We replaced 3 main control boards and a motor control board, then started having problems with the door and latch mechanism and just gave up on the thing after less then a year, sold off any salvageable parts and scrapped it. The bug problems vanished with it.

Scarred by this bad front-load experience, we replaced it with a top load "impeller" design. We're not happy. It doesn't use enough water, the clothes have dry spots sometimes and it seems to beat up clothes a lot more then any other washer. It's days are numbered and we're trying to figure out what to do now. We're trying to decide between a old-school, simple top-load agitator design or trying another front loader. 

So,

Can you condense the text into a few key points?
<bot>: do you like your front loader? What problems do you have with keeping it clean and smelling happy? Does some company have a door design that actually works well and has a baffle that stays clean and drains well? Help!