Other causes of unblanced loads?

We were having some severe unbalanced load issues with our Maytag Direct Drive washer (MVW7232HW0) so I replaced the suspension rods, finding one to be bent. Culprit found, right? So I thought... The issues went away for a few weeks, then steadily worsened. As I had replaced the suspension rods before with cheap, aftermarket rods off that jungle-named retail website, I decided to go with OEM. This took care of the issue for a while, but it has steadily gotten worse again.

I'm at the point where I am thinking it has to be some other issue that is appearing after the new suspension rods have a chance to get broken in. What is truly odd is that the issue is seemingly intermittent: it will run through a load just fine, then struggle with the next load (same size and type of clothing). It will get up to full speed on the spin, then halfway through the cycle suddenly go violently off-balance as if by some magic hand.

My thought is that it could be the balance ring. However, when I've done the recommended "check" for the balance ring, I have found no apparent leaks, and when I spin the tub by hand ,and then stop it suddenly, I do hear the "slushing water" sound you're supposed to hear. Since its direct drive, there's a smaller list of other potential culprits for this issue, but I'm also open to the idea that the motor, clutch or stator have come loose, and is throwing things off balance. I don't believe it to be the drive assembly, as when I've removed the wash plate and wiggled the spindle, it was as it should be expected: firm, no play.

Should I look closer at the balance ring, or go ahead and put the machine on its side and double-check the motor and clutch area?