The system also works well at Apple Authorized shops - I've had my stuff bought abroad repaired at a Swedish retail store that's not owned by Apple but has the "Authorized" sticker, and all that history showed up perfectly on my Support Profile (https://supportprofile.apple.com/MySupportProfile.do)

Anyway wasn't the point of the parent that Apple stores work because they're run by Apple and sell Apple products. Your point that stores not run by Apple don't work as well just reinforces what he says.