I realize you are just providing info, and I appreciate it, so I want to preface this by saying I am also just trying to add some context to the conversation.

The pixel offers a $99 replacement plan, plus an additional $99 every time you replace the phone, up to 2 times. I think it lasts for 2 years.

If the only thing holding you back on getting the phone is being able to get it repaired, the cost difference is $70 or $50 the first time you break your screen, and $40 or $0 the second time, and the plan covers more than just broken screens.

The biggest downside is that you have to front the $99.

Right, it's very similar to most plans where you break even around ~2 screen replacements. Like you said, if you have to utilize the insurance for things aside from the 2 screen replacements, then you come out even further ahead.

But that requires foresight in buying the insurance and most people just don't have that. In my case, I have only ever broken one phone, so buying insurance with the idea that I break even at ~2 incidents would not be worth it for me. In the Pixel's case, I would like the option to pay full fees for fixing rather than only the option of previously having had foresight AND having to break my phone twice.