So I just called Apple Care three times to speak with three different AHAs and presented each of them with the same fictitious scenario using the exact same words each time just because I could (yes, go ahead - ridicule me, beat me, crucify me).
"Whoa dude (or Sweets), I was just outside on the patio with my iPad when I tripped over one of the chairs and the iPad flew out my hand and landed on the patio - now it won't turn on or anything."
The three responses I got:
"Oh no - can I have your serial number?"
"Awwww - can I have your serial number?"
"Wow! Let me get your serial number."
Of course, I wouldn't prolong the proverbial jerking of the chain (in AG parlance), so right after each gave their responses I pushed some buttons on the phone to simulate a phone issue and hung up.
Seriously, does this actually suffice as the end all, be all EMPATHY which has been touted as being as precious as the Holy Grail on this forum? No, seriously. When one is actually doing the job after having interviewed, trained, and nested - is this acceptable? I must admit that I was surprised.