can't subscribe to a podcast (iTunes store temporarily unavailable)

I recently "merged" two libraries - creating a few "doubles" (podcasts only) in the process. After cleaning that up, at least one podcast was missing completely.

I go to the iTunes store, search for the podcast again ... when I click "subscribe", i get the "There was a temporary problem completing your request (iTunes store is temporarily unavailable ...)" message.

I have ... checked my connection & Apple's "system status" page, restarted both iTunes and the computer, verified the time & date is set to auto update, deleted cookies (in both ...\Roaming\Apple

Computer\iTunes\Cookies and ...\Roaming\Apple Computer\Cookies, verified iTunes is up to date, ... and as I have seen a "-45054 error" as well (might be related, might be not), I also deleted the C:\ProgramData\Apple Computer\iTunes\adi folder and restarted everything for good measure.

The problem persists.

I can see the podcast in the podcast app on my iPhone ... it shows that I am "following" - so I unfollowed (keep all episodes) and followed again ... still no luck after I connect to iTunes again.

I am fresh out of ideas ... and would REALLY love some help.