Direct drive is fantastic technology unfortunatly it sucks for service and is very expensive to both purchase and service. Change a belt in 25mins or less? at a cost of what 20 bucks seems cheaper than direct drive.
Noise? same in both "I’ve tested both"
Access to repair: I’ve tested both "whirlpool wins" (simple access panels)
My point is what do you buy based on value for the comsumer in the long run…
Oh and if your tempted to say " well the direct drive wont break" i would suggest your an idiot… lets get that straight… if it needs power and human interaction we will break it…