Simple. Apple is my choice always, since they have the best peace of mind return/fix policy. I can go over to them, get the exchange immediately, they will fix it or if something goes wrong, they will stand behind the product. $49 is not much for me to have this peace of mind. I always go to the source not to a third party. You, and others maybe different, but its my decision, and I'm comfortable with it.
You can and should use apple to make repairs if you have the ST warranty.
----------
For me this go round:
Purchased with Amex that extends the 1 year apple basic warranty to 2 years.
Purchased square trade to get 3 years of accidental damage coverage with NO deductible.