Pokemon Go, "Whats your nickname again" = "SEVER ERROR" screen

I was flagged / asked to change my nickname.

now at sign in, no matter what I enter as my name i get the screen SEVER ERROR.

I've deleted the app and reinstalled, doesn't work.
It's like I'm no longer connected to the server.
i never see the white spinning ball anymore.

i feel like my glitch has been saved to the cloud via google account.

Anyone else have this happen?

This nickname screen pops up immediately at login and will not allow me to play the game whatsoever.

I've emailed Niantic, Google & been to the Apple genius bar, all were no help.

SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!