More than Optimal

We have a washer and dryer in the basement of our rental. Very handy. My former apartment had coin-operated machines, inconveniently located three flights of stairs below, along a route full of potential for awkward encounters with the other residents of the building. Point being, I really appreciate having a free washer and dryer at my disposal.

My landlord decided on the trusty 5 cubic foot, extra-large capacity GE DVLR223GGWW. A fine machine for sure, but one feature has me vexed. When selecting my desired dryness, I turn the dial clockwise approximately 200 degrees, past the Timed Dry tick marks and begin to approach the Cottons (automatic timer, regular heat) where I have the choice to bring the dial indicator to rest near one of three word pairs: More Dry, Optimum Dry and Less Dry. When I put my first load in, I considered my options. In a rather "duh" moment I pointed the dial to Optimum Dry and pressed start.

And I've done so for every load since. I don't understand why a person would choose to tumble-dry their clothing to less than optimal standards. And a person who makes an attempt at more than optimal dryness just seems greedy.

Problem is, the Optimum Dry setting is not optimal. It's too dry. Clothes come out hot-smelling and coarse. Each time I turn the dial and begin my approach, I can't seem to alter the starting point of the cycle. I have to logically choose the best possible dryness for my clothing, so Optimum Dry it is.