[Leica] Help! - M6TTL Frame Counter Reset Lever Jammed

[wmrav at triad.rr.com (William Ravenel)]

After removing my last roll of film I found I could not replace the 
base plate. Closer inspection revealed that the little lever that 
resets the frame counter remains protruding below the camera bottom and 
will not retract. I've tried cocking and releasing the shutter 
repeatedly and setting and releasing the rewind lever but this hasn't 
helped. I have pushed on the reset lever and it offers very stiff 
resistance (afraid to push too hard). The shutter operates fine at all 
speeds, but the frame counter does not advance (it used to, even with 
no bottom on the camera).

I've searched the archives and see a lot of references to frame counter 
problems, but none that mention the jammed reset lever. I cannot 
replace the bottom plate and will have to send the mess back to Leica 
unless someone here has a recommendation for a quick and easy home fix 
(I'm still under passport warranty and don't want to attempt serious 
surgery).

TIA for any help or suggestions.

Will Ravenel