They have added an option on the page where it asks if the 1099-R is an IRA, a 403(b) or Other. The new check box added to the top of the list on that page is something like "Box is unfilled" or blank or something. Chose that instead of Other and voila. Finally, after weeks of waiting I can file electronically--which is kind of the whole point of this endeavor.
One can tell it is a kluge because the new checkbox is kind of crammed into the web page design. but it works.