The wash machine thing is because water-saving requirements, and the easiest way to do it is the "dumb" way. Speed Queens still have a "soak the damn stuff" feature, but it's almost hidden.

I think the fridge thing is because they discovered that a compressor that runs all the time lets them get a smaller one, and since it doesn't start/stop as much, it lasts longer, so it can be weaker. The ice maker is probably actually doing the work of keeping the fridge cold.

It's crap, in my experience, once it starts not working perfectly. As long as it's working, it's ok.