WoW launcher and downloader causing validation errors [Updated]

I and many tipsters have encountered some issues tonight when trying to launch the game.

Here's what we know:

• The Launcher is downloading something small.

• It is taking much longer than the 2 minutes estimated.

• Sometimes the download fails.

• Once the "something" has been downloaded, some are getting "unable to validate game version".

• Constant attempts to log in appear to make the error go away.

• There is no indication of what has been downloaded.

Here's what we don't know: What was downloaded.

We will update you as soon as we know anything.

Please note: There is no indication patch 3.3 is dropping. NONE.

Update 8:55pm: Blizzard says that the downloading issues are due to "prime time" and gives some advice in this link, mostly suggesting to wait.

Update 8:44pm: Blizzard is calling this a "Tools Patch" and saying that "Safe Mode with Networking" is solving some people's problems. Obviously the issues are not fixed.

Update 8:30pm: Blizzard says they have fixed the issues. Anyone still having problems should take the steps outlined in this link.