bluevue

I am new to the forum and have done some random searching on the net etc. Our Imac 5,1 has developed the vertical line issue on our screen. I called Apple and was not able to get an answer as to this being covered out of warranty as so many other have. It would appear as though the loyalty program on this may have expired. It would also now appear that our computer is now acting 'quirky'. On trying to work on an excel spreadsheet on the weekend it would not allow me to save changes to the document and now keeps opening as a recovered file. I cannot save changes even if force quitting the document (also occurs in word). I have backed up the computer just in case, but am now wondering if these issues are connected and what the solution advice is. I did a print screen previously and the vertical lines do not appear in the print screen. I have not hooked up an external monitor as of yet, but I may get one to test. Obviously would prefer not to have an eternal screen, but also would prefer to not have to spend crazy amount of money to replace the screen on a 6 year old machine. My main issue is what are other peoples success rate as of late with getting Apple to replace the screen (if that is the problem) or is there the likeliness of other problem, not just the screen. Are there cheaper options to getting the screen replaced..I have been quoted around $500 here.

Thanks.