When Premium Service Falls Short: A Christmas iPad Saga

I have a medical condition which makes my hands shake. So when I see a good deal, I try to take advantage of it, because sadly, I know that my tremors will result in me dropping and breaking devices is something I factor in and plan for. In 2024, I did just that. The service was good, and apart from an invoice hiccup, my iPad arrived. I put it away for that rainy day. On Christmas Eve, Murphy's law - I dropped it. I was immediately consoled by the fact that I had planned for this. Got it out to watch a movie, and it asked me to re-enter a passcode! Being the 24th of December, I called Apple Care - on three occasions - to help troubleshoot. They eventually said they will not unlock the ipad - I must contact the store. I did. Twice. First to explain the problem, and then to call and update my phone number. The next day I get an email saying that they tried to reach me on the number that I had called to tell them wasn't working. They came to collect the iPad yesterday, 6 Jan. I have no idea what is happening to the machine, I had to ask the courier to please give me a receipt of some sort, because they took the machine, in its box, offering no paperwork until I asked. So Christmas through to now - no iPad. No manager call to talk to the human being who experienced this best-of-class brand in such an unkind way over Christmas. Disappointed is an understatement. After almost a lifetime of brand loyalty - to be very honest. I am hurt. So here is to another year of indentured labour for the many, while the few recline on the velvet cushions of customer disinterest, basking in the luxury of having pulled off yet another seasonal systemic upgrade trap to keep Apple on its axis and its coffers full of coin, jingling all the way.