2014 Mini Cooper Clubman stuck left barn door fix hack

I made this video because it is exactly what I was trying to find when the issue started.
The electronic release was working intermittently for a while, so I removed the plastic trim from tailgate around latch. Opened and closed fine a few times then got stuck stuck for the last week.
With the plastic trim removed it was easy to see and access the little manual release mechanism. (Have to remove plastic door panel as well to easily unscrew locking mechanism from tailgate) With trim still on and door stuck….would you need to hacksaw latch pin?
My temporary fix is now permanent because I have already put it all back together and refuse to pay $130 for a new lock mechanism.