Let’s say you you have $1000 in the bank.
If you spend $1000 you no longer have $1000 in the bank to spend on other things
if you finance a $1000 purchase you will pay an interest cost each month but you still have $1000 in the bank for other things. You could even have that money working for...
I wouldn't make the same choices you are but I see your PoV.
I understand your frustrations about Apple Care. For the vast majority of people it's an excellent idea tho.
One note: You're also forgetting the cost of money. That alone would tip me over to the Yearly Plan (or verizons!)...