Monday, after the tub didn't drain completely after the last load, I removed the drain cap to drain it, then the debris filter. I found a whole scrub pad (a 3x5 inch flat abrasive scrubbing pad I use on my dishes). How could it have gotten there?

I reinstalled the drain cap and debris filter correctly but on Tuesday the tub leaked slowly its entire cycle, from the bottom front left side. I took out the debris filter again, cleaned it thoroughly, inspected it closely, see nothing wrong.

The gasket looks okay.