In my case, the key tumbler works fine. It is the switch that isn't working--so the car won't start. I have to be able to remove that thing--which has screws with points facing aft--so you cannot get to them without removing the whole lock assembly.

Roger on dropping the steering column. I had concluded that was the next step--reluctantly, as there are a LOT of wires going into that column, and I wanted to avoid stretching them. But I see no option. Stay tuned. I'll crawl back in there in a few minutes (just home from school...).
jb