so I think my issue might have been my modchip was blocking the wi-fi because I couldn't access the friends list, but then I went into my chips firmware and deleted it and could get in next time. Still haven't found a game so it might be a coincidence.
edit: lets try a friends code game. My code is 0905-6342-0733
ill check here for codes so I can confirm it on my end then we can set up a lounge.
Maybe the servers are still buggy or something... or nobody really cares about this gem of a game. I've got no wi-fi on my Wii, otherwise I'd play with you..