The USB unit just broke off completely, it's rattling inside the phone.
I'm considering getting a quote from the local mobile repair shop since it has been noted he has been doing some micro-soldering.

Haven't heard from sEKI yet. If anyone else is willing to take a look at it I'd be grateful.

In the meantime, I might be able to charge the battery using my old N95 external charger, just need to make the bay bigger to accommodate it.