I"m having the exact same problem. I even downgraded back to previously working 1.2.1 and issue still persists. I have to restart client about 10-15 times and then finally after 30 minutes it will connect. I did notice the client has no problems authenticating. When i reinstalled i was asked for usual log in but i tried with incorrect password and i got feedback immediatelly. But after entering correct password it just went straight into spinning loop of death for a long time, even after restarting client.
HELP!!!!
The problem is that it takes FOREVER (pun intested) to log in...