Apple's not the only company that uses "non-standard" screwheads to discourage opening hardware. Fewer people opening cases -> fewer warranty repairs for user error. That allows Apple to continue to be liberal with good warranty service. I'm not the only one with the experience of walking into an Apple store and getting a replacement iMac for a failing one with few questions and little hassle.

As for applecare, they seem to be pretty lenient with those policies as well. My iMac was replaced in under a year but I've also replaced an iPod after the standard 1 year by paying just for the price of applecare (after the year had already passed). In any case, I feel pretty good about not having to worry about my Apple products. I'm ok with paying for an $8 driver once in a while if I really need it to swap parts.