I'm with you there. We didn't design our house, so the laundry room is on the top floor. A significant leak would be an absolute nightmare.Women killed the basement laundry idea. I guess old folks did too. It really is the way to go. You can isolate the noise and vibration as well as hide it from view and if you have water related issues you don't destroy the house. Same with water heaters.
Yes we all know about safety features but laundry in the basement is king. No basement then you have no choice.
Most non basement laundry rooms are too small and cramped anyway. If I was concerned about resale I'd build in a living floor laundry but personally wouldn't use it.