If you get AppleCare+ the screen replacement is $29. I usually get it replaced right before I can hand it off to my family. It's not as good a deal obviously if you don't plan on getting AppleCare+ anyways.

Do you have to break it?

Theoretically yes; but depends entirely on the mood of the employee you get.

If the drops work, then are you forgetting to reapply them every few months, or is that not viable, or what?

Seems you need to apply them about every month because they wear off so fast. And then you're looking at multiple $18 bottles per year...

It's very easy to just apply a glass screen protector which has a fresh new oleophobic coating on it.

I buy them in packs of 3-5 on ebay for $5-10. (no need to buy the really expensive brands) They are quick to replace, have a nice oleophobic coating on them, and can be replaced as frequently as desired.

Getting protectors that come with an alignment frame and running a hot shower to pull dust from the air was life-changing for me.