To add...
After trying a few things the Bulky/Bedding cycle is where it's at. Washed a load of socks and underwear using the Bulky cycle. Full sumbersion with three inches of water above the garments. Even better than Deep Water Wash. That, the Heavy Soil setting, plus Second Rinse got everything nice and clean with no soapy residue. Spin cycle works a treat. Clothes came out little more than heavily damp. A bit quieter than the old washer, too. It'll do just fine.
For the record it's a Whirlpool top loader, model WTW5000DW1. Currently on sale at Lowes for $469. A little more than the one I was eyeballing at Sears but a much, much better track record insofar as reviews are concerned.
*edit to add*
Okay, I'm sold. Just did a load of four oversized towels plus some hand towels and washcloths. Came out perfect. The old machine would do two of the same towels at a time. Three in a pinch but with some shoving, stuffing, and ho-hum results. Same for a full load of king sized sheets with four pillowcases, which the new machine digested with room to spare. I had to split the load in the old machine.
Brad