Just to update - it was a 45 minute phone call and 6 people later I was at the top, telling them what happened and the guy on the phone hooked me up with AppleCare + for my iPP. Cost $99 bucks and I am happy they made the exception for me. I was out of the 60 day purchase period by 20 days. I just wasn't aware of it.
I am happy and feel better. I like AC+ because I don't have to deal with AT&T, shipping back, phone calls and blah blah blah. I got to Apple, pay my deductible and I am off. Works for me and I'm happy.