Product review (5 stars): Not for everyone but great for some
As others have mentioned, this washer isn't for everybody; but for those of us in a specific set of circumstances, it's a godsend.

Prior to buying this washer I was hauling two giant bags of laundry down two flights of stairs at 6AM every Monday, driving to a laundromat that charges over $2 per wash and $.75/ 6 min to dry, then hauling those same two giant bags of laundry UP two flights of stairs, before having to put it all away!  With this, it's probably as much physical labor but at least I get to do it in my own home.

The most expedient method of getting water into it, as far as I've found, is with a 5 gallon bucket.  The drain feature on this washer is a major plus; it's the main reason I chose this particular model.  The timer is an adjustable dial, which I like.  I've only had to use 2-3 Tbsp of detergent and fabric softener per load!  As others have said, the gentle cycle only seems to be different from the regular cycle in that it agitates less.  The spin dryer is AMAZING; it sounds intimidating but it gets the clothes probably 80% dry in just 5 minutes!  I still take rugs and towels to the laundromat, but this thing is perfect for just doing my clothes each week.

I did spend more on associated costs than I thought I would.  The lint catcher in the washer itself is useless, so I ordered a nylon net one from Amazon that isn't adequate on its own; I've been draining the washer into my bathtub and I already have a drain catch in there, so I've been putting cheesecloth over that and changing it out for each cycle.  I also bought a $20 furniture dolly from Lowe's to move it in and out of the bathroom every time I do laundry.  I was worried about the dolly moving too much since there aren't brakes on the wheels, but the weight of the washer has kept it stable enough that it hasn't been a problem.  I also bought another drying rack, since every single item that comes out of this thing needs to be air dried and that stacks up fast.

All in all, though, this is some of the best $150 I've ever spent.  I've had it less than 2 months and it's already been completely worthwhile.