Finally solved, not surprisingly, over the phone (with an assist from a couple of helpful reps).
One downside to the whole process is that, because the system saw my account as blocked, it directed me to the general number instead of the Platinum line. Finally got myself to a Platinum rep. Explained the situation again and asked her what I could do, since my ID couldn't be read. She called the SkyMiles desk and, from what I can tell, set up a triage situation where the SM desk representative found my fax, compared it with a copy of my ID that I sent via email and relayed instructions to the Platinum representative on resetting the password. Problem solved. The new password site asked me for security questions, so hopefully, that will help in the future.
Thanks all for letting me vent.
Mike