I can get as far as character selection, but attempting to log one in freezes the client. Have to kill the client through task manager.
Now I can't even connect to the login server.
I was logging in and playing the game fine (except for the occasional crash) before this most recent downtime and the new patch.
Once I installed the new patch and tried to login, that's when all this started happening.
I've tried everything on my end, hardware and software-wise. I've also done a bunch of routing tests. I connect to everything else just fine.
This, just after I drop $100 on a bunch of points.
Somewhat ironic that the day that the game becomes officially 'Free to Play', I can't play at all... even after giving them a lot of money.
Hmm.... I'll see if this resolves itself by tomorrow. I've already sent in a ticket.
I'm having the same problem. It looks like others in the technical issues forum are having it as well. Hopefully they'll put out an emergency patch so we can play soon. 
VIRTUE
Agahnim- Elec/Ice Blaster
"Elec/Ice. Nice. Holy <@*&$@#!> =) You're like the CoH equivalent of those bdsm people who hang from the ceiling on hooks!"
-Plasmar
Agahnim Dragmire- Warshade
"(You spin space webs. =D)"
-Paladin
Just downloaded and installed the new patch, and loaded up CoH.
I can login, and get as far as server selection.
Then I select Virtue, and it hangs for about 5 minutes and finally says 'Connect Connect to DBServer' and shoots me back to the login screen.
On a lark, I tried logging into a couple other servers and had no problems... though I didn't have characters on any of them.
Anyone else getting this?