Not familiar with the M1 but I have two flex fives and they put out great cars. I know earlier models had limited programming flexibility but I'd say it's worth getting a tech to come look at the machine. The factory is in Bristol, Va and if that's not too far away you might could get a factory tech to assess the machine.
Friction is just plain easier to manage the quality of cleaning. Little things like water quality are less important. On my base wash my only chemical is essentially foam brush soap and the cars come out looking very nice.