Unfortunately, your issue appears to be hardware-related, not software. I would call AppleCare and setup a mail-in repair - you will save yourself a long drive (or two), and the Apple Store is probably going to send it to the depot instead of attempting an in-store repair.
I just sent in a display, it was turned around the same day - the depots appear to be pretty efficient currently...
The unibody models are constructed from the top case down, making the trackpad and keyboard the hardest parts to get to - complete opposite of the PowerBooks and earlier MacBook Pros.