Same problem for me in the UK. No indication that the request for verification has got as far as their servers, as I can exit the app and go back to square one with no advice to wait.

Installed directly to v0.1-7

Either Whatsapp are very behind on their sms sending, or...

I wonder if the "my number" field on the SIM card needs to match the number you enter - mine doesn't after I ported a number in.

Anyway, top marks to coderus, your work is much appreciated