Max Payne 3 - No internet connection

Judging by google, this is a common problem. Thought I'd see if anyone knows a solution here since Rockstar support ignores my tickets...

Well, as the topic says, when launching the game on a fresh Win8 install, the Rockstar Social Club seems to think there's no internet connection, hence I can't activate and hence I cannot play the game. I tried to completely remove both AV and firewall but to no use. I also tried whatever tips google have to offer - nada works. Any hints?

Have you tried following these steps for your issue?

Max Payne 3: Social Club saying you don't have an Internet connection, but you do – Rockstar Support

I tried it all. Rockstar seem to provide very generic answers. What they should do is fixing the social club client, but I don't see that happening anytime soon...