Conclusion: I just ordered the new assembly $78.
In following jbaj007's instructions I ran into a few glitches (though it is all very clear now that I've done it wrong). I had some trouble with the little window- Attached to that window is a ring that goes down into the assembly- the cylinder that turns passes through it. Not knowing this, I just kept prying at it and snapped the ring off (photo attached). I think the proper way to remove it would be to slide that turning part out first- if you can.
So I got the locking bolt out (pic attached) and I was just going to reinstall the window anyway. But I didn't remove all the pieces inside- meaning that little triangular piece and all it's friends. In the end these parts were the root of the problem because once reassemled, the thing locked up again and no amount of smashing, throwing or hammering would release it.
Ultimately, a good morning project- at least now I know how all the mechanisms work. It really isn't difficult - just takes someone more patient and meticulous than I am
