I've got the exact same issues, tried using local cert, standard ssl, forcing updates. nothing gets me past hangin on "connecting to server" I've tried alt tabbing, checkin back, nothing. and if I let it sit a while and come back the whole client locks up to lala land and I cant even close it without ctrl-alt-del.
YET when I tried gettin on earlier there were only 192 online, then 180, figured it was some login issue, abut NOW its showing 305, 306 online???? and I STILL have "connecting to server" and I'm REALLY getting sick of listening to megan. =(
The only thing worse than knowing my favorite game was canned knowing its been brought back to life...but I cant play it =(