In reading this, this is a tough one. I had seen a black leather Gucci bag over a year ago in BG that Gucci didn't have. At that time I bought it and returned it because I had too many expenses and shouldn't have spent the money on that bag. Long story short, over a year later I bought the very same bag in gray at Gucci. Gucci informs me they repair their own bags. However, if you buy it out of their company store, it is the responsibility of that store to repair it.
I say go with your heart and think optimistically that you don't forsee anything going wrong! Ironically, I found this info out because the bag I have has gold horsebit hardware and I was concerned over time, and the elements of weather, the gold might tarnish. Gucci said since I bought the bag from them they would stand behind the bag as long as I keep the receipt.
Good luck in your decision!