Gee, this sounds so familiar. I just went through this exact same thing this week on my 2000 Outback. External leak on the driver's side head, estimated cost to replace both head gaskets...$1200.....I am at 67K miles....second owner, so Subaru says screw you.
I tried the "I am really disappointed in this car, since I bought it becuase Subaru's are supposed to be so reliable, guess I won't be buying another one." They didn't budge.
Anyone on here familiar with class action lawsuits? Too many of these cars are having head gasket problems too early in their life to be considered a problem that the owner should have to deal with on their own.
UPDATE - I guess I spoke to soon, I just talked to the dealer and they were like, "we have some good news, Subaru agreed to pay for the headgasket repair."
When I last spoke to Subaru, they acted like it wasn't any chance that they would pay for it. I guess my banter worked, and my faith in Subaru has been restored.