We have an older (1991, I think) Kenmore washer that we just put a couple hundred dollars into because I've heard such bad things about the newer washers, and this thread is helping to validate my decision.
I use wool dryer balls. I have only two right now, but I think I'm going to pick a few more up for the drier winter air which leads to more static. I haven't had much problem with wrinkly clothes either, so maybe they're working for that or maybe we just have easy to care for clothing. I used to use dryer sheets, but I wanted something a bit more ecologically sound and also that didn't leave that residue on my lint trap. When we did use dryer sheets, I used only a half per load. Two dryer balls seem to be at least as effective as the half sheet.