I got an LG front loader about six months ago, and so far so GOOD. Love it. No issues yet with smells. I think it comes down to letting it dry out and following recommendations for cleaning.
We spent way too much money on big beautiful lg front loaders in 2007.
No matter what we did there was a persistent mildew smell. Lg had us try things like using non HE detergent, wiping the gasket after every use, and keeping the door open.
On top of that, every load of towels smelled like they sat in the washer too long, even if they were put in the dryer immediately.
When we sold the house in 2008, the young couple demanded the washer dryer stay with the house. They thought they negotiated well. I said, thank god.
We ended up getting GE profile top loader with stainless drum. It isn’t as pretty, but my towels smell clean.