Although it doesn't solve the main problem, I thought I'd report that I WAS able to e-file my California state return (541) even though the federal return fails every time with the error 54. You can do that by submitting the state return separately (i.e. uncheck the box next to "E-file my federal return" and only select the state return. That submission went through and was later accepted by the state.
Still waiting for a fix to this problem that prevents submission of the 1041.
