I have an update on the soggy iPhone drama.
I downloaded a program called
ZiPhone that has a graphical user interface for jailbreaking or unlocking your iPhone. In addition, you can "force" your iPhone to reboot in other modes (normal, recovery or DFU mode). Using ZiPhone I was able to get my iPhone to break out of the endless "recovery mode" loop it was in. I could make a phone call or use any of the applications.
Unfortunately, there is still a problem. Neither the power button on the top or the home button below the screen do anything. The touchscreen works fine. The applications work fine. I can launch Safari and surf the internet using my wifi connection or whatever... but once I open a program, I have no way to CLOSE the program (that's what the 'home' button does).
So... I'm closer, but still not where I want to be. Any suggestions?