[aich75013]

I've actually had good luck with the Apple people.
I am on my third iPhone as well. I've also had 2 screens replaced (one for no reason.)

1. Screen replaced because home button wouldn't work half the time.
2. Phone replaced because the back was cracking. I always kept it in a hard case. Apparently they have had some issues here.
3. One month out of warranty, I had problems with my phone automatically going into headphone mode. They replaced the screen. (Even though I tried to tell them that wouldn't fix it. No charge.
4. One month out of warranty, phone replaced because phone would still go into headphone mode. No charge.

Basically, I knew it was out of warranty and was ready to purchase a new phone if needed. The girl at the Apple store was very nice, and joked with me about me being cut off due to my warranty being expired. She still replaced it for free.
I was prepared to have to buy a new phone because any carrier would have the same policy if there was no warranty. Buy a new phone or sign a new contract for a discount on a new phone. Been there, done that.