Front loaders are more or less sealed once the door is closed, so it's no wonder they can get moldy if left with the door closed. Why wouldn't they?
I like my 15 year old Whirlpool Duet front loader and like it a bit more now that I've had to take it apart a couple of times, the first time last January to replace the pump, the second time last April to replace the bottom half of the tub, since Whirlpool doesn't sell the bearings separately, but only as a unit.
My only concern is whether the shaft holding the basket might be worn from the old bearing and that increased gap between the new bearing and shaft due to the worn area will mean more vibration and a much shorter useful life. I wish I knew how loud a new machine is to compare.
I here looking to replace my Mom's old top loader with a new top loader, but I'd probably get myself another front loader when the time comes, as I like how they handle the really big loads like comforters, rugs, etc.
It'd be full of cat hair. ;-)