Problem with iMac quality

Question

I  own a 27" iMac that is just less than 4 years old, and where after sending it for repair with Apple in Denmark was told that it needed a new graphics card for DKK 2899 - approx. USD 490.00.
I found out that the iMac is produced at a factory in Shanghai called W8 where Apple have had problems with exact same issue in the past, and it seems had agreed to extended warranty replacement to fix these problems.
Nevertheless I do  believe that Apple customers buy Apple products because we expect superior quality and no Apple customer would expect to have problems with a major component especially on such an expensive products and certainly not within 4 years.
And if there were a seldom problem with a unit that Apple would rather step up to the plate and stand behind their products quality.
In my case it seems Apple - or at least Apple in Denmark - is unwilling to do so even though they acknowledge that it very seldom happen

Answer 1

Do you have a support system in Denmark to protect customers from problems with products and services.  If so advance your complaint there.  Irrespective of the warranty, here in the UK you can get official help against any supplier of goods that are faulty up to six years from purchase.  But you must be reasonable in your approach.  Apple's warranty promise specifically allows for this  when it says ... 
Coverage is estimated. Learn about Apple’s coverage information for your product. Your warranty is the same whether or not you register. 
Important: Apple’s 1-year limited warranty and AppleCare Protection Plan benefits are in addition to rights provided by consumer law (see details). If you believe you have a valid consumer law claim, please contact us.