Product review (4 stars): Awesome, but limitations
The only bad thing I have to say about this washer is that I wish I had bought the next size up.  You can only fit 2 pairs of adult-size jeans -OR- 2 large, heavy bath-towels and have the machine operate optimally.  I tried 3 pairs of jeans as a test, and the washing action was too impeded to clean them effectively.  However, for socks, undergarments, light blouses, light towels, etc, it's FANTASTIC.  It gets them cleaner than the agitator washers I'm used to using, especially if you use the "Heavy" wash cycle.  Another plus is that it's gentle enough to wash some of my "hand-wash only" clothing.
I am extremely happy that I purchased it.  I live in a mobile home, and it fit easily through my doorways, hooked up flawlessly, and doesn't thrash or bounce around as it washes (which was a big concern given my uneven floors and the small size.)  For the most part, it handles my weekly needs, though I will still need to use the laundromat for large loads.  (Blankets, for example.)  For me, that's only every other month or so.
It came with nearly everything needed to connect it.  However, if you are hooking it up to traditional laundry-room outlets, where hot-water and cold-water are seperate lines, you will need to buy a "Y" adapter.  I found one easy enough at a local hardware store.  This allowed me to hook the washer up permanently, although I need to manually open the lines to get the desired water temperature.  I experimented a bit with the faucets and marked the handles so I know how far to turn them to get "cold", "warm" or "hot".  Also, since I don't expect to disconnect the lines anytime soon, I bought plumbing tape to use around the threads to help seal the connection.
As for the "assembly," some people have posted that they put the convex end of the plate toward the floor (bulging side closest to the floor.)  I used to write technical manuals, and the directions on the plate seem to suggest that it be installed with the concave side facing the floor, though the wording is slightly ambiguous.  However, I installed it concave side facing the floor, and it works just fine.  I am unsure as to why they don't ship it with the plate already installed, it would prevent confusion.