I believe the issue with the lock mechanism is the fact that the pins wear out and you can't rotate the key, unless you get lucky.

If you have a key that functions properly in the lock and is simply restricted by the steering lock, then the procedure outlined above will work. However, you don't need to go through all that effort. If you simply unload the steering lock by adding a little tension to the wheel, the key will turn. In fact, I'll bet that this is standard procedure for most of us, without thinking about it.

If you get to the point where the key won't turn due to the wear in the pins, then the cylinder needs to be changed before you get to the point where you can't turn it, no matter how much fiddling that you do.