"I think the mid-level machines are the best compromise...": This is totally true. I repair our family appliances and low-level and mid-level ones are pretty e

"I think the mid-level machines are the best compromise...": This is totally true. I repair our family appliances and low-level and mid-level ones are pretty easy to work on. High-level ones like Miele products and some Samsung products now usually have diagnostic ports, like OBD-II in cars, and some sensors can't be replaced without reprogramming the main board with a valid diagnostic tool. The only two appliances I had problems with in the last five years were the two European front loading washing machines, a old low-level one who need a 20€ (from the scrapyard) main board every 2-3 years, the other is a high-level one that had two 100€ main boards in less than 8 years. Guess what kind of washing machine will be the next I buy.