You are not alone. I still have a top loader, and I feel the need to see *suds*. The new 2x detergents just don't suds enough for me. I've been adding Borax to my loads, that way I feel like the clothes are getting cleaner.

Really, suds do not equal cleaning ability. The new soaps are designed to sud less so there is less pollutants.
I used to think suds=cleaning too. ;0)

This reminds me of what my dad always told me when I was a kid and thought I had to have a mountain of suds to wash dishes - "suds don't clean, soap cleans".

I rarely have to buy soap, I use 1 tablespoon per load--but that's for a front loader. I have to remind my DH that in this case, less is more.