Again, I challenge you to
Identify the difference between a new and an Apple refurbished device (not those "repaired" by the local iPhone repair shop)
Back up what you claim with verifiable, quantitative data.
Hank, I could use a superior tone also, but it's neither useful, nor smart.
I'll start by saying as clearly as i can:
I used Apple's International Warranty to replace my broken phones and iPads. The devices were broken from the start! (+1 for Apple quality, am i right?) The local repair shop, as you called it (which btw is an Apple Authorised Reseller and Service Provider), had the only job of sending and receiving the faulty devices. I got the devices in brown boxes with screen covers on. The "local repair shop" was the middle man. While they also do some minor repairs (like replacing damaged screens or broken buttons), in my case i didn't need those services.
I stated clearly the difference between a new and a refurbished phone, from either my experience (the refurbs that i got) or from other people's experience. I also shared the opinion of engineers who actually repair phones, not all knowingly procrastinating people on some forum. Scroll up and read. Also, a refurbised device, as the OP inferred, has negative connotations, which would hurt the phone's resale value.
Anyone can figure out that it's refurbished mainly because the SERIAL NUMBER on the box is different from the SERIAL NUMBER on the phone. There are only 3 cases in which this might happend: the phone is stolen, the phone is replaced(refurbished) or someone mixed up the box.
Wanna use big boy words, like data and quantifiable? Ok, let's do science. But let's be smart about it, to actually solve this problem. The OP asked about the quality of the refurbished models and you guys said that they are OK. So in order to convince him, settle his reluctance and, of course, to be fair, YOU are the one who should present quantifiable data that proves refurbished phones are perfectly OK.
Furthermore, everybody knows that refurbished stuff is bad. But in this case, it's ok only because it's Apple??? Come on, get of bull**** mountain. While i agree that they insist obsessively on stuff like replacing screws and using certain tools, the devices are handled by PEOPLE who make mistakes, are tired or not in the mood. You might get a perfectly good device, but chances are that you might also get a faulty one. We can have a debate about what components they use to refurbish those devices
In the end, I just shared my experience (and of some friends) and it's up to you if you believe me or not. It doesn't affect me at all, because nobody pays us to either bash or kiss up to Apple. While i surely can get you evidence, I don't feel the need to prove anything to anyone. So yeah, good luck.