Nu, I don't suggest installing the patch. Especially since you already uninstall/reinstalled FH once, that means that you have all of the updates necessary, so that shouldn't be the issue.
Since you've already checked the Big Help thread, it may just be a serverderp. Sometime the server will be down for short periods of time, or certain users will have difficulties connecting for a little while (maybe an hour at most). How long has your game been doing this to you, though?
Just as a precaution, also make sure your username and password are correct, and that your password isn't more than 16 characters. (This isn't likely the problem, but since it's mildly related, I figured I'd throw it out there.)
