Are there any know versions / forks of minecraft that GT has issues with? i've forwarded all ports in router correctly, added the firewall exceptions, but still to no avail. Yes it is online and online mode in config files. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

P.s. Running Win Server 2008 R2

There are a number of suggestions in http://www.gametracker.com/games/minecraft/forum.php?thread=58741

Yes i've read through that section and no luck In advanced settings for firewall, are there any particular settings thats needed? i have open the firewall for java.exe and javaw.exe as others suggested.

In advanced settings for Firewall (windows) Choose your inbound rule, goto properties, then advanced, half way down you have the Edge Traversal options, you need to change from 'block edge traversal' to ' Defer to user'.
Problem fixed

I've heard of some compatibility hiccups with certain Minecraft forks or modded versions, especially if they're not up to date. Have you tried running the vanilla version to see if it works fine?