The replacement process as stated here
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3630
is not correct.
Here is my first hand experience:
Have had the intermittent problems as described almost since the computer was new. After many calls to applecare and ROM upgrades, software upgrades and reinstalls, new boot drive - problem persisted until last week -now monitor stays on black screen on startup.
Called local Apple store as described in support page - they know nothing about it and you cannot talk to a tech on the phone - have to make appt. Asked the receptionist to please describe problem to tech and see if they might be able to help before I take the time to make appt. I was told that they don't handle that here - go to an outside service center. Of course its Friday and the outside service is closed until Monday. Call another apple store and make an appointment - they seam more willing to help.
Follow the instructions and remove board and take it with Mac serial number to store.
I am told that they will not release the replacement board unless they install it themselves in my computer. I politely point out that the service doc states otherwise - no dice. Tech orders the board - won't know until Monday what delivery schedule is - he guesses 2-3 days and they can install when it comes in.
Lesson learned.
You can't trust what apple says in a tech document - maybe you can't believe anything they say. Frustrating part is that you can't talk to anyone to get a straight answer until you nail someone down in person - and how do I know that the tech told me the right thing. After all, doesn't corporate dictate policy? I got the policy from the corp site. So which is right?
Do you think they would reimburse me if I went out and purchased a new board and did the replacement myself?
"If you believe you have paid for repair or replacement because of this issue, contact Apple regarding a refund."
I highly doubt it based on what the tech said - but who should I believe?