We have a Splendie vented and find it works well. I wouldn't want to wash my greasy work clothes in it but those days are gone. Sometimes I wish for the extra space and the free space above the unit helps with that.
2 cubit feet? Ha. The DW is a master at putting 10 pounds of stuff in a 5 pound bag. Same with washer. I dread the day she kills it with the overloading but...
We have found that the wrinkles are reduced by taking out the cloths and fluffing them after the spin cycle reduces wrinkles. But that happens rarely.
As far as time, we got all the time available. Load in the AM, open gray valve, go play, return home and maybe do another load. Maybe toss in another load at bedtime, nothing like being rocked to sleep by the washer spin cycle.
Having the unit cuts down on the clothes we bring and it doubles as a hamper when no FHU's.