Sounds like you're talking about the TR series, which is their energy star compliant one. Nothing beats actual agitation with a fully filled water drum for ACTUALLY cleaning things. The TC series is badass.

I've also never used anything but top-load agitation machines, and I've had the same pairs of jeans and t-shirts for over 10 years. I suppose maybe if you have really intricate or finnicky clothing, "harshness" might be a concern, but I'm not a fashionista and "dry-clean only" is an absolute show-stopper.