Don't Purchase Your iPhone with AppleCare+

Agreed. Do not purchase AppleCare+ from a retail store like the Apple Store or Best Buy, either. Just sign up yourself from the device, so you can cancel on device.

I bought AC with a Watch at Best Buy. Canceling was harder than handling legal paperwork.

I bought AC+ on an unlocked iPhone purchase at an Apple Store and had a similar experience as the author here.

I had my own personal hell with this which took about 9 months to get sorted out. Never again.