If you can afford it, it's often regarded as one of the best brands for durability. It's out of my price-range comfort zone, but I wouldn't hesitate to say the money gets you a better product.

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.

Arc'teryx
Outdoor Research
Patagonia

Any of the electrospun fibers. Anything else, even lightweight goretex, will lack in breathability IMO.

Ascentshell is my favorite material (OR's brand) as it's the best value.