Cannot edit song info in iTunes?

did they lock the files THAT much?

No.

I went through the steps to ensure I had full permissions

It still sounds like a permissions error.
Did you apply the Read/Write permissions to the iTunes folder and _all contents_?

You will need to change permissions so you have Read/Write to the iTunes folder and contents.
Then uncheck Read Only only on the iTunes folder.

TAake ownership first then change permissions.

You would think that but it's not. It is really flaky.

See this -> http://www.vista4beginners.com/Change-permissions-take-ownership

I had the exact same problem as you. What you need to do is to go to the original file (and by that i mean NOT the one in your music library on itunes), right click on the file, click properties and down at the bottom beside "attributes" UNCHECK the "read only" box.

It worked for me, I hope that helped 🙂