A few months ago, the trunk light died in my 2003 TL. It's amazing
how vital a trunk light turns out to be, once you suddenly lack one!

When I brought the car in to the dealer for routine servicing, I
mentioned the light and figured that would be a no-brainer. But it
wasn't. They told me that to trace the problem, they'd have to start
a $95/hour "hunting and fishing" expedition. Obviously, I said thanks
but no thanks.

Anyone here had their trunk light go out, had it be something other
than the bulb, and willing to offer a simple suggestion or two? I am
mechanically and electrically challenged, so if it's more complex than
seeing if cable x is plugged into socket y, it'll be over my head.

It's either a short in the wiring or it could be a blown fuse. If
you're lucky it'll be a fuse. Take a look at where the fuses are. They
should be either directly underneath the dash or on the panel by the
dead pedal/clutch. If you pop off the cover it'll have a diagram of
which fuse goes to what, check and see if the corresponding fuse (most
likely a 10 amp red fuse) is blown.
Trying to find a short in the wiring is extremely frustrating and time
consuming which is why Acura is charging that much :P