I have always had a SEARS type tub washer. I learned long ago how to repair them and keep them working. I buy a good one, but in the end, it pays for itself.
The parts on these washers that wear out are: agitator dogs, brake/clutches and sometimes the transmission couplings. I am so glad that belts in washers were largely eliminated from the design.
Once, I had to replace the pump (very easy) on my daughter’s washer because a sock got sucked up into it. I still marvel at how this came to be. I suspect she filled it so full that the sock worked its way over the tub liner and into to outer liner and got sucked in. All told though, it was easy to replace.
I think you have just explained why over the past 50 years
I have missing sock now and then!