I'm connecting nearly everytime now with 1.7 beta No VM (the 3.6 Mb download that assumes you have MRJ 2.2.5). I'm using OS 8.6 on several Macs.

1. Start fresh by deleting everything in your Incomplete folder.

2. Startup with minimal extensions necessary to access internet (at least temporarily to troubleshoot LimeWire). Also, for testing puposes, run no other programs.

3. Patiently wait for LimeWire to make connections. I noticed in the the latest LimeWire beta that it is can be very slow to start connections, but once connections start to click in, they increase exponentially.

4. The "funny radio button" type behavior comes and goes, typically the longer I'm connected. I've noticed the longer I wait to click the mouse or make any actions within the program, the less funny business happens. That is, resist rapid commands, clicks, and movement.

This LimeWire crew is very hot with java, but java implementation is very persnicity on the Mac. I'm surprised at how well LimeWire works on so many platforms.