iTunes 10 is available now, I am downloading it from apple.com/itunes
I wonder if this issue will remain the same in that version of iTunes. I guess it will, since it seems to be a problem with the iTunes servers and not the client software.
I sent an email to Apple Support today, after a couple of hours I received the same respond, saying:
"...finding a solution for you is important to me, so I have requested assistance with the issue you reported. You will receive an email after the matter has been investigated and further information is available...."