BC Calc and Chem: Use an AP exemption or take the class?

When I was looking into some similar advice, the rationale given by most people that recommended the repeat was that it would be an “easy A” to boost the GPA.

However, this was in the context of “pre-med” where GPA is paramount (which is somewhat unfortunate since it rewards not challenging yourself or not expanding your comfort zone class-selection-wise if it may hurt the almighty GPA)