See my contributions to this thread -- I will stress that it should be a method of last resort and could end up physically and permanently damaging your E3000 if not done correctly. I don't recommend this method for any other router, but like you, I have been in situations with the E3000 where nothing else will work and it would otherwise be heading to the E-Waste bin.
FWIW, I don't think that the failsafe mode works at all on the E3000, even when things are 'normal' (i.e. not bricked).
Proceed with caution, but if you go for it, good luck!