@Eddy, I got an immediate auto response that included the message "we will reply to you immediately when we are done with urgent cases, it should take no more than 48 hours." So no, I was not contacted within 48 hours, I've been absolutely ignored (except by you) for coming up on three weeks.
In the interest of helping other users I'll report what I'm seeing:
After starting Grime Fighter and viewing several cartoon screens of my computer being Sedated, GF hangs when "contacting headquarters ...". This happens if I am connected via wifi or ISDN. I have waited as long as an hour and nothing additional happens. No input or keys are accepted other than holding down the power button and turning it off.
I specifically wanted this program so I am disappointed that nothing seems to be doable except uninstalling Avast and getting McaFee or Kaspersky. I had considered this already after noticing the shopping-pop up that Avast installed in my browser. I didn't ask for it, can't uninstall it, don't trust it. Exactly the kind of thing I pay to keep of my computer.
Thank you Eddy for taking a look at my request. I have a feeling that resolving this is beyond both our abilities. I'll check back, but I'll also be researching other anti-malware.