Not sure how she did it, but three days ago the wife managed to get the passenger door stuck in the closed position and neither inner or outer door handle would open door. Locking system would respond to both key fob and console master button, but door would not open. Did a search, and found this thread. Once I made the 'tool', it took 30 seconds to get the door open. I worked the inner and outer handles a few times, and it now opens without a hitch. Once the weather clears up, I will remove the inner door skin and clean and lube the lever and pivot to hopefully keep it from happening again. Kudos to Brian for figuring this out and posting the great info.
Thanks again.