I too have been using Limewire free for some weeks, and been amazed and impressed - however, since 5 or 6 days ago I can no longer connect [it showing half of the first bar only, bottom left, says (you are connecting to the network)]. I use WindowsXP home Serv Pack 2, and connect through a radio connection (with extra gain aerial installed Friday giving me 95-97% link and -67db - whatever that means but am told is good!). The Windows firewall is set up as per your tech advice to allow Gnutella in both TCP & UDP, and has both Limewire boxes checked. Even turning off the firewall makes no difference, so what the h**l is going on? Would it help to change the Port being listened to by Limewire, and if so, to what?
It is so frustrating when something works well, then just goes downhill or stops working. I would upgrade to Limewire Pro, but even that will not accept my credit card and insists on Paypal which I found untrustworthy when I used it for eBay.