I'm also having these issues. I've been trying to happily throw my money at SE for three or so days now and they just won't take it! It's frustrating, to say the least. I've tried two cards and my paypal, tried both direct payments and purchasing crysta: nothing works. I have yet to try the Ultimate Game Card method, as I'm skeptical of that working as well. I opened a ticket with customer support and their response was basically what has been seen on this forum.

I love this game and I'm frustrated I can't keep playing; I don't know what to do about it. Even with all this frustration, I will gladly give you my money, SE, if you'll just take it. Please?