and as far as cleaning cloths, watch one in action, the cloths tumble over and over not just sloshed side to side like a top loader
In my experience they are better at cleaning clothes than top loaders, and much more gentle on clothes. They also use less water. I think it depends on how much you want to pay - to some extent. If you buy a good (but more expensive) front load machine you will probably be happy. If you want to buy an inexpensive machine, then you might be better off with a top loading washer.