iPhone 6 update: I just had the touch screen/glass replaced on my iPhone 6. Without Applecare, extended warranty or anything, it only cost me $109. I had thought I would have to by an entire new phone for $600+. That was a very nice surprise. Mid afternoon in the store. Lots of people but plenty of employees, so the wait (without taking numbers) was about three minutes. They replaced the parts while I waited with no prior appointment. I also bought a black leather case so that the phone is much less slippery and it is not very bulky.
Overall, I'm very pleased with the customer service. The repair cost and wait time were very reasonable, IMO, and all is back to normal.
I still don't know what error 53 is, and I find the Microsoft/Apple back and forth between the site founders to be quite amusing. The man crush insinuations are really funny in a reciprocal kind of way. I'm sure, I think, that they are meant in jest. East Coast humor is a bit different.
I asked if there are any Microsoft stores in the mall, and no one seemed to think so.