Very disappointed with Apple....

Question

I purchased a 20" iMac upon release, had the mid plain replaced five months ago. A week ago the computer wouldn't turn on. No problem, they sent me a new power supply. After installing and turning the computer on, I was treated to a flashing question mark and folder. I attempted to use disk utility and disk warrior but they would not mount. I re installed the OS and noticed no option to archive and all the hard disk space was free. Sure enough, after install everything was gone. Hundreds of hours of work, pictures, music, documents, programs, all of it gone.
I called Apple, talked to the tech person then talked to a product specialist and explained I was no longer comfortable using this computer after two repairs and now worse case scenario, a total wipe of everything, and would like a replacement computer. He said no, since it works fine now and it doesn't fall within the criteria for replacement. I attempted to offer paying money and share the cost of a new computer. I was told if I wanted another computer I's have to pay full price.
This is my first experience with a Mac and I am a little more than disappointed. I just bought a OWC external hard drive and a copy of data rescue. 80% of everything is gone. I now know I should have had an external but never needed one in the 10 years of owning a PC and certainly didn't think of buying one for the Mac. Lesson learned.
Do you think I am being unreasonable asking for a replacement? If not, should I call back and speak to someone else? Any other thoughts?

Answer 1

Christopher:
It's a simple matter of seeing what their return/price matching policy is. Maybe they'll do something, or you may consider their restocking fee (if any) to be acceptable for the upgrade.
I too purchased a new iMac (though I got a display model from a retailer at what then seemed like a good price. Because of the good deal, I pounced, because I had seen nothing on the Mac rumour sites that indicated a new iMac coming out.
Sure enough, here it is. In my case, day 13 of the 15 day return policy (and 30 day price matching). I spoke to the retailer, fully prepared to return my iMac tomorrow for a full refund and buy a new one direct from Apple, but he gave a substantial reduction on the already reduced price.
I'm quite happy. The new features would be nice, but I determined that for me, they're not quite necessary. The refund on my CC is nice enough, thank you.
No computer retailer or electronics manufacturer announces updates like this, as it would completely halt purchases of the current line. It's SOP. However, I would doubt the Apple Store knew absolutely nothing about it, if it was a corporate APPLE store.
Should you be upset? I don't think so. Frustrated, maybe, but it's much like choosing which line to pick at the supermarket checkout - the other one always moves faster.