To conclude this, a Hoover engineer went straight to the water level sensor when looking up the E21 code. They replaced the connector pictured (I explained what I did) but it didn’t shift the error code. They didn’t have a spare water level sensor so ordered that plus the related circuit board.
Some time later I was informed that the quoted repair avenue was no longer being pursued, and that the machine would be replaced.
So, all I’ve really learned from this is that E21 error code in a Hoover washer-dryer relates to the water level sensor, but fixing the error code may not be as simple as replacing that component.