One of the problems with almost any Mac is Apple's love of plastic. Between yellowing, it growing more brittle with age, and it being software -- you will have problems. C'est le vie.

As for AppleCare paying for itself, that's only because Apple over-charges for service. I remember getting a receipt for the servicing of my old CRT iMac. The hard drive was replaced, and the already obsolete 6 GB hard drive cost $600.