Here's an update on our Macbook Pro display problem. At the recommendation of Apple's phone support, I took the computer back to the store where we purchased it to have it looked at. The manager and support person helping us were both nice and helpful, but neither had seen the issue before and were not familiar with the flexgate controversy.
I was told that until Apple came out with a quality program there wasn't much they could do about it except replace the screen. Normal price would have been $635. They were able to offer an instore replacement for $475. I decided to take them up on the instore replacement with the hope that if Apple ever offers a quality program, we will be reimbursed.
While at the store, I mentioned we occasionally have an issue with a stuck shift key (though it wasn't a problem at the moment). A diagnostic they ran at the store also indicated the battery was failing. I was told that they could combine replacement services for the battery and keyboard without adding further cost to the display repair.
If all is handled as described, we'll end up with a computer in about a week that is almost full replacement parts for the $475 charge. I can't say I'm happy to be spending an additional $475 to replace a computer I purchased in October 2016, but it's a deal I can live with if I can get another few years out of the computer.
If any additional surprise costs come up when it's serviced, I'll dump the Macbook and put the money toward a Windows laptop instead.
