So this MacGyver type $3 solution is still working very well. Can't edit post so here's some tweaked times for steps I posted:
1 - IIRC hair dryer on low against chip for 10 - 20 secs while connected to Mac got it recognized. My 30 - 60 secs had included re-fixing Schiit lid + walking over to...
A possible $3 brute-force hack/"fix" that's been working for a while.
OK, so I also registered to post about this issue. Thanks to others for posting the temporary workaround (heat) to get these problem C-Media USB 2.0 audio chips recognized again.
I acquired a Schiit Modi 2 with this very...