Obviously sorry to hear about your experience. If it's any consolation I have found Apples back up to be very good indeed and when I have had cause to return a machine it has come back within days (when I have been quoted a fortnight). I have had to return my iBook for a new video logic card it was collected from my hotel and returned to my home address within 10 days (it was over the Easter weekend) all free. I had the same problem about a year later and it was fixed free by the local Apple agent overnight. I bought my sister an iPod shuffle which misbehaved and she was sent a new one by return of post again free. I know of others with similarly speedy service.
I have been on the Apple discussion foum to see if your problem is commonplace but haven't had enough time to go through all the posts, but if there is a problem Apple are good at holding there hand up and fixing things no matter what the warranty may say.
Re-reading this I sound like I might work for Apple but I can assure you I don't!