Repairmen are not consumers. I am a consumer. I have not dealt with a repairman in decades. I buy a washing machine, it lasts for 10 to 20 years, and then I buy a new one for about $500 or so. That means I spend $25 to $50 a year for a washing machine. Why on earth would I want to spend hundreds on a repairman?
When I was a kid, the washing machine had a single knob, and a button. There was no fine tuning adjustments. When I did construction, I had to wash my clothing two or three times just to get them clean. It was pathetic.
Now, there are over a hundred fine adjustments I can make in washing my clothing. The washing machines do a fantastic job in washing everything.
You're full of shit.
IF you can find a washer at all for $500 - it will last maybe a year - a day after the warranty expires.
On the Lowes site the 4th of July sale has washers ranging from $700 to $3,000.