Do I really have to package up my system and ship it to pioneer? I called them today and they said it will cost roughly $100 plus shipping just to bypass this password! Not to mention it will take between 1-2 weeks to get my radio back. There has to be an alternative, local programming shops? Anyone else run into this problem? 

I think what you will see mostly on a subject like this is people will start yelling "thief". I would just send it to Pioneer. I don't see how anyone could forget a password, sorry

There is a reason why the "hint" in there. 

And yes, for the most part, people will assume that you stole it.

You can check for a local Pioneer service center, they can check the serial number. 

If it hasn't been reported stolen, then they will unlock it.

Do I really have to package up my system and ship it to pioneer? I called them today and they said it will cost roughly $100 plus shipping just to bypass this password! Not to mention it will take between 1-2 weeks to get my radio back. There has to be an alternative, local programming shops? Anyone else run into this problem? 

There is an alternative way but no one will share it with an internet stranger however if it is your unit pay the $100 for forgetting your password if its not your unit then you should leave it by the car you stole it from.