I did not write to the IR but i can confirm that I have not been able to place a buy order (opening transaction) in TDAmeritrade since 3 weeks.
Couple of posters had also confirmed the same for TDAmeritrade.
There was one poster who claimed that he/she was able to buy using scottrade 3 weeks ago. I am not sure if we can still buy using scottrade. Anybody buying GERS as opening transaction, please confirm here.