Adam,
Paul's statements are far from unambiguous. In fact, there are many contextual issues which can explain those difficult passages in quite a different light, and at many points Paul assumes women are (rightly) preaching and serving as apostles and messengers.

If you're honestly looking for a good case for a egalitarian reading of these passages I would recommend starting with this essay by N.T. Wright - http://www.ntwrightpage.com/Wright_Women_Service_Church.htm - and reading McKnight's "The Blue Parakeet" and Payne's "Man and Woman, One in Christ"