Call MacGyver, MacGruber.The problem was that I was not able to apply such sustained pressure, because, despite how innately talented you all claim to be at pushing in paperclips, my thumb would get sweaty and start to hurt.
I placed a bedsheet behind the back of the paperclip, then I was able to apply pressure without my hand moving all over the place, and that worked like a charm.
I have a case that is harder to take out. My rant has to do with the micro-SIM. I can always get a converter, but I just want the convenience of the more commonly used SIMs since my case already feels like part of my phone. Once my contract is up and I use another phone, I may never use my iPhone 4 again as a phone. That's why I am looking into another phone with a removable battery and mini-SIM to travel.