I can't speak for the OP, but as someone else who has a 4th MBP on the way, I have a response to this. While the QC is pathetic for products of this price, there are reasons I'm willing to put up with it and the Apple premium, and others probably feel the same way. The biggest reason is macOS; I use Windows and Linux in different capacities and vastly prefer macOS as my primary desktop OS. (And while Hackintoshes exist, I don't consider that an acceptable solution for various reasons.) Another reason is that once you get a good machine, they are good machines, although the 2016 generation has eroded that to some extent with the keyboard reliability issues. Once you win the lottery, the screens are very good (IPS and HiDPI), the machines are very quiet (0 RPM at lower temperatures on the current 13"), and the solid aluminum body feels and looks better than other high-end laptops in my opinion. The butterfly keyboard is controversial, but as someone who has always preferred low-travel keys, I don't mind it.
As with any decision, there are tradeoffs. Others may find that another set of tradeoffs with a different manufacturer is a better fit for them, and that's fine. (I actually can't think of any other product where I'd be willing to deal with this instead of buying something else.)
I also know that it's possible to get a good machine, because I've done it before. I'm still using the MBP I bought new a little over 5 years ago, and I didn't have to exchange that one at all. That has also been my experience with modern iPhones.
Yeah, I consider AppleCare pretty much mandatory on these machines. I also use my Citi credit card which extends the manufacturer's warranty, including an extended warranty, by two years, so I get a total of 5 years coverage (3 years Apple + 2 years Citi). (Most credit card extended warranties only extend the base warranty, not an extended warranty like AppleCare, but the Citi benefits guide is very clear that it extends an extended warranty too.)
