My 12.9" 2015 iPad Pro had a few dead pixels in the lower left hand corner. A few months left on Applecare. Took it in, got a new iPad within 5 minutes. Well worth the $99 for Applecare.
Apple care still $99 in the USA? We pay way more in the UK. I think for dead pixels Apple would have probably replaced your device even without Apple care anyway.
My iPad Pro 9.7 has a few little dings and the glass screen is worn. I don’t know if it’s enough to use my Apple Care Plus or not... I don’t know if they’d replace the iPad for that or if it has to have more serious damage.