thanks for the responses. I waited 15 minutes before having to force quit.. Tried a lot of things, actually. Deleted all files and started from scratch with no luck. Trying on a second, slower computer and have been sitting at downloading world at 100% for 10 minutes now. It's weird. I'll try messing with my router since neither comp can get on. It downloaded the world fine though, so it shouldn't be an issue. I've run into a number of connection issues in the past, but I'm kinda stumped. I'm going to try connecting to some other random server next to see what happens. I'll try connecting across lan too. Seriously, I need to get on the server to at least get a start going. after 12 minutes, the game kicked me back to the menu, but all memory is currently in use by the game. Seems to be leaking real bad. I might have to wait for another patch, if that is the case.

Anyone else find it a lot harder? lol. Those vultures are the BANE of my existence.