Okey fine, but I'm STILL not going to apply it directly to my freshly-shaven armpit, thank you very much.

You said it's not baked-on gunk, but I do second the tartar recommendation. That's the best way I know of to clean pots and pans that were thought lost causes. I put a thick layer on, add a half inch or so of water, simmer 'til the water starts to go away, leave it to cool, and it'll come beautifully clean.

Dani (a chef who has seen MANY burnt pots, and burned a few herself)