Wow, that is exactly it. Thanks for the quick response!

After I posted I figured out that I was looking at the impeller, not a chopper. And it is not turning fast enough to generate a good flow.

Nothing to be done I guess except to decide if its worth the time and effort to save this dishwasher. Too bad the whole wash motor assy comes as a kit; seems like the motor is fine, it would be nice to only have to replace the impeller.