"....so I guess it's time to start pounding on it with the pickle fork again"

Pounding on a bike is rarely the best approach. I'd suggest that you buy/borrow the correct tool for the job lest you damage your cranks/bottom bracket/frame. If you are unable to resist picking up a hammer, try to get some #6 (I think) Jacobs chuck wedges and use them to wedge off the cranks.

You did remove the bolts/nuts from the BB spindle before pounding away, right?