The grease spots definately sound like a defect or malfunction of some major sort.
I have a Frigidaire front load HE washer and dryer and I really like them. I had early issues with leaking underneath (but there is a filter in ALL washers, no matter the type that can get clogged with those little life things like bra underwires, bobby pins and barettes, coins, small pencils, etc. This was our problem and it was taken care of)...and some stinky clothes issues (but we had this before as well). Borax to boost those loads has taken care of it.
Other than needing to leave the washer door open in between use (which means I won't replace the lightbulb anymore...leaving the door open burns out the bulb quickly)...mine works well. Clothes get clean, less soap and water, and time. It has a sanitize cycle I can use on those particularly ishy dish rags, etc. if I choose to.
And I DO wash nasty dirty clothes. My hubby works outside, in the dirt and heat. His uniform clothes get gritty and gross. Plus I was daycare items like nasty bibs form several kids, spit up rags and the bedding from 7 kids.
Sounds like your lemons are making for a bad experience for you. Sorry.