Ok here is how I manage to connect.
For the database problem just create other character till you don\'t get database error

For the safe mode (direct draw) error... Just use OpenGL, its also faster.
When you initialize world and window just say that it is not responding, just wait, it will let you enter after a while ( maybe a long while)
If your game crash like me when you initialize world well, keep trying, thats how I have been able to connect.
Don\'t want to steal your fun but when you connect it will probably be unplayable. slow, slow, SLOW. (it will be fixed in further release or, at least, faster than that, we just have to wait). By the way, my game crash after 5 min in the world of planeshift. I can make like 3 move in those 5 min.
If my little FAQ can help you, thats just great.