[hb3b]

I've worked at an AASP and managed Apple Self Service programs at two companies so I have a bit more information to what you posted.

Apple is very strict when it comes to service repairs because the supply chain and processes for receiving parts is essentially the same between AASP repairs and those done at stores and at depot centers. Nowadays, AASP repairs represent a tiny fraction of all repairs and Apple grandfathering old AASPs and allowing companies to participate in Self Service repairs is more of a courtesy than anything else.

- AASPs can order spare parts under an "exchange" option or as "new". New parts are typically ordered when a customer has lost an item (keycap, charger, apple remote). Everything else usually gets processed as an exchange repair. Apple learns a lot from the defective parts it receives during a repair. They also don't want defective/broken parts floating around eBay so it provides AASPs a monetary incentive to send back KBBs. - AASPs can keep parts on-hand. These parts can be purchased on a credit line and the AASP will receive a refund on the cost of these parts after the repair is done and the KBB (known bad board/part) is sent to Apple. Plus they will receive compensation if the product is under warranty in the amount of 75-100 bucks for doing the repair right. - I would agree that not everything in GSX should be kept highly confidential. Apple's takeapart guides are really awesome and I wish they were published freely. Within GSX is the coveted VIG (visual inspection guides) which determine which classes of repairs on an iPhone or iPad are covered under warranty. For example, a scratched camera lens on an iPhone 4S warranted a whole unit replacement back then even though no formal repair extension program was announced to customers. Maybe this was a serious problem or maybe Apple was giving customers a courtesy repair on this type of issue. But surely publishing this document would cause some people with 4Ss to intentionally scratch their camera lens to get a free replacement device. - And of course, if you aren't certified on a product line Apple doesn't want you opening repairs or ordering parts for that line. In my experience, you can't even open repairs on certain products unless you've passed an online qualification exam (for $100). I think this is pretty reasonable. I've never received parts only to be later charged for not being certified on the defective product.