Ponch, well stated!!! This is exactly my point, throwing parts at a $50K vehicle is not the solution and not everyone has the time and money to wait for the tech to do it right the 2nd or 3rd time, nor GM to do it right including training their employees.
Yes experience is a tool learned at nearly all jobs.
This issue has been around long enough that it could very well be addressed better and a solid list of better parts choices the tech would be able to choose from to fit each case.
I feel all your pain as I have BTDT even made a How-to to help others on a similar issue.

 

Is there a link between StabiliTrak and power steering? Yesterday I left my key in the ignition in the off position. When we jumped the car last night, the stabilitrak light came on and I didn't have power steering anymore. I still have both issues today. I've tried to turn off traction control and stabilitrak, and both of the problems still persist.

 

Have you checked your power steering fluid level and belt? There might be a sensor for pressure and if the fluid was low or pressure low/non-existent, it might throw an error. If you can, put a scan tool on the car and see if there are any codes too.

 

"When we jumped the car last night"

I'd revisit this, try disconnecting the battery for several minutes and reset everything....
I don't think this has anything to do with the PS but it may clear up the light...

 

Those stock batteries don't last long either. Mine went after a few years.

 

I took my Equinox to the mechanic this morning because my bi- and triceps are getting a beating from the lack fo power steering. He asked me about the connections when my car was jumped. I told him the connections were tried on the two posts on the fuse box, then on red-wired post on the fuse box and the frame of the car is where the jump actually worked. My mechanic told me that the posts on the fuse box are both positive, and when the jumper cables were connected to both of those posts, the power steering fuse was blown. $32 later, I have a new fuse for the power steering and my poor upper arms can go back to their normal workouts.

 

Does your vehicle have electronically assisted steering? Mine is just a mechanical pump.

 

It does have elec assist - the new fuse was put in and, Voila! power steering!!

 

May be GM should offer me a job...

 

You will learn quickly that the stupid Stabilitrak error message will come on for almost every issue you have regardless if it's related or not. Every issue I've ever had with my 2007 Burb that has been mechanic in nature has thrown this the Stabilitrak message. It means nothing essentially.