Well, I was hoping I could duplicate the problem at my end. Lot easier for me to come up with a solution. Only trouble is it worked out OK. (Pic included)
Akonadi server error during start up
You are most likely getting an error with Akonadi because you do not have mysql installed. This shouldn't be a big deal though and shouldn't be the cause of the freeze.
Couple questions...
1. If you switch your system back to XFCE does it start up ok for you.
2.When you selected the kde-meta package did you download it in it's entirety, or did you deselect anything?
3. Did you do the part in the screen cast where you enter..
nano /etc/rc.d/rc.X as root in the terminal and changing the Display Manager preference from KDM back to GDM then restarting with init 6.
Also I remember some posts where you were having trouble getting into the graphical environment...How did you get that solved?
Anyway, admire the determination. You certainly have covered a lot of ground in a short period of time.