I cannot say with any certainty that applying thermal paste on Apple products is a serious problem, i.e. it is running rampant and out of control. I have heard, like others that it does exist on different levels, however from what I read on these and other forums it does not appear to be hindering Apples overall ratings in the marketplace when it comes to quality.
However, I will say this; when a company/companies take for granted their customer base and sacrifice quality over the long haul; disaster will strike, it's just a matter of when.
Let me give you an example. In 1986, I purchased a 1984 Buick Skyhawk (remember those) which I needed to last me my college years. I believe to the best of my recollection it had about 20k mile on it. I purchased it proudly from a local dealership in Brighton, MI and my father was also very big on buying American and doing business locally. I think I paid 7500 for the car (I really cannot remember) and paid with my hard earned cash. The Skyhawk came with a 1 year warranty, and the dealer seemed great at the showroom and used car lot, it was a Buick dealership after all.
So began my loss of love for the American car companies. My experience (much like many others in the eighties) was nothing short of pathetic. Long story short; I attended college about 4 hours away from home, and my 2 year old Buick (Which was babied BTW) spend it weekend days and nights back in Brighton not wanting to run. To my recollection it encompassed something like the following: 3 Clutches, pressure plates, throughout bearings, radiator, numerous computer modules, leaking window seals, paint bubbling, catalytic converter, ignition, wiper motor(s). One day, my father picked up my car (which generally he had to do as I was away learning to be smart) and drove it 1 mile down the road to get a wash; inside the car wash, the car died again
.
I have spared the commentaries on our frustration with the dealership, how pissed we were almost weekly, and the overall general "holier than thou" attitude I recall getting on every god awful trip down there. The car was a piece of crap, built like many others like it in that decade, and the Auto company's could give a rats *** about us, or our thoughts on their quality and lack thereof.
Be that as it may, that car was totaled (blessed) as I was broadsided on a side street at school one morning by an old lady (bless her as well).
I replaced that 1984 Buick (that now had about 40k miles on it, with a 1985 Honda Accord hatchback stripped down to the bone, no air, no power windows, nada. Paid 7800 for it with 79k miles on it; and drove that baby until it had 180k on it!!! Bought an Acura Integra Limited in 1991 (my first and only new car) and after the deal was made, I told them I had a trade. They gave me 2k for that ride, and it ran like the day I got it, no trouble, no problems.... just change the oil, (and the timing belt) with tires, you get my drift.
Anyway, back to my point; I have yet to buy another American car. I am a perfect example a customer who was pissed on with poor product, poor service, and an attitude I will NEVER and have never forgotten.
I am saddened by our current state with the US automakers (when it comes to friends, loved ones) who work there or lost their jobs; I really am. But, I blame their own demise on the simple premise of stupidity and greed. As stated above, the unions, healthcare, etc have also put them in this position and overpaying the fat cat is going to kill that cat someday from obesity; well welcome to what I thought of nearly 25 years ago when driving that damn Buick. I thought someday, just someday this crap is going to end and this attitude is going to stop; well here we are.
As far as Apple is concerned, back to this thermal paste issue or non-issue, I will say this. I have had my fair share of Apple products, and I have had troubles along the way. However, not once EVER was I not fairly treated, compensated, or given 100% satisfaction for my money spent... EVER. They shine in this service, so if my machine breaks or fails; my own history with this companies products has taught me they have my back. Hence, I come back again, and again. I cannot say the same for the American car, they screwed me once and I never came back.
