Doesn't work for me: always times out when trying to reach the pool...
hostname used should be without prefix http://
I tried both: with http, without http, also with IP instead of host name, different ports (using pool-x so I could try port 80, 8080, etc), nothing worked

Same here, tried 4 pools, nothing would connect.
A hoax to instill uncertainty in a competing crypto currency? Given how outspoken the SC team are against LTC, I don't see why they are holding back with Demo versions if they have a real opportunity to cripple a competitor.