For extra waranty on electronics, just get a platinum amex. I have one with no annual fee and it automatically extends the manufaturer warranty. Free warranty is way better.
No problem! I sometimes felt guilty trying to sell the things (although they're not ALWAYS a bad value). And I have no desire to see anyone get fleeced. I'm not saying you should never purchase a warranty--but come in ready to deal with what the salesperson and the store will throw at you.
I should also honestly tell you that I bought a 42 inch LCD from Sears on clearance (floor model, on the floor for a long time) for about 300 bucks. I did not buy the warranty on it, mainly because it was more than the cost of the TV.
Anywho, if anybody has questions on warranties (particularly Sears warranties) or any general TV questions, feel free to PM or email me. I'd be happy to help. Bear in mind, though, I've been out of the retail business since about June/July. But again, if you have a question I might be able to answer, I'd gladly do so. F*** the retailers. I support the serious and purposeful consumer when I can, because I would've been quite clueless myself before I saw what was really happening from the retail side of things.