OCD in full force, I tried a couple of long skinny slotted screw drivers, a fillet knife etc. Anything to hold the pin in place and into the hole in the door. Finally started taking the glove compartment apart, first the lower panel with clips, a light and some sensor. I looked around and there is no room for my large hands, believe me I tried. I placed a light in the fan assembly and cycled the pin and tried to get my phone shoved in there for some video. My hope was to see what I might be dealing with nada.
Looking before too much unscrewing I noticed that behind the ?ECU there is a 10mm screw holding a black relay to the white plastic blower assembly. That relay was right where needed to stick my hand. After removing the screw I moved the relay to the side wriggled (in a technical manner) my fingers cursed (in a non technical manner) through the looms and crap. Next I cycled the recirc button hoping to feel something. I could feel the pin or something moving, I pushed and the pin snapped into the hole in the door and she cycles.
Knowing what I know now this is a 1 beer "repair". I ordered a new cabin filter and will follow up in a few days but I feel confident the way she snapped into place.