maybe the cause of your non-existant downloads is the well documented but apparently ignored problem which was also present in 2.2.3 and which some posted a patch for, but limewire obviously never got the patch cause the problem is still there:

if you have a download resume automatically in a new session, then the new file will be downloaded but not stored anywhere, then the old incomplete version will be copied to your normal storage place .. leaving you with incomplete files.

Another 2.2.4 bug:

if uploading the number of slots available is actually ONE LESS than the number specified, ie if you set 1 slot, in fact no one can upload.

Please everyone be aware of this, maybe it's why so many people can't download.

Set your upload slots to at least 2 unless you are a greedy git who won't share.