Got a question here.

I'm pretty much set on a Yamaha RX-V657 as my next purchase in my quest for a budget home theater. I was about ready to order one when I found Yamaha's policy that only items purchased from authorized dealers (which meet a minimum price for items they sell) include a warranty.

I was appalled to note that the minimum pricing is 40% higher than most other online sites stock it for. $150 more on a $350 item for a 2 year defect warranty. For that, I can buy half of another receiver if mine goes bad. I just have a tough time swallowing it, and I think these kind of policies are ridiculous.

So, with that said, my question is twofold:

A) has anyone had any luck getting Yamaha to warranty items purchased from a non-authorized dealer? I ride mountain bikes and often you can get manufacturers to help you out (even if you fall outside the warranty) if you're just nice, honest and straightforward with them. Is that the case here, or should I forget about it?

B) I've got very little experience with home audio equipment. I've had two receivers over the years, including the one I inhereted from my dad that was a Sony and about 10 years old, and I've never had anything go wrong with 'em. How often do brand new, quality receivers actually break within a short period of time and what are we talking about to fix 'em? I know that's a vague question, but in general, are we talking about a typical $60 repair, or does a repair usually cost more than an entry level receiver retails for?

Thanks!