Mac OSX oddities (compiling Python plus tkinter)

[MichaelW]

I've been Python (2.3.4) plus Tkinter happily under MacOX 10.3, having
compiled them from scatch. (Tkinter is based on tcl/tk 8.4.1, which
were compiled from source via Fink).

I then moved my laptop over the 10.4, and things are now breaking.
Using the Python shipped with 10.4 (which has Tkinter based on tcl/tk
8.4.7) the window in a particular application looks completely
different (more Apple-like) and the buttons no longer work properly.
(Oddly, some icons have fallen off the buttons.) I therefore thought I
might compile Python from scratch and that fell over with messages:

sem_init: Function not implemented
sem_wait: Bad file descriptor
sem_post: Bad file descriptor

reported at intervals. I assume the odd Tkinter behaviour is due to
problems Apple created Apple-ising it?  Is that correct, or has there
been a major change to the API between 8,4 and 8.7?. Is there any
work-around? Secondly, can I assume that the compiler messages indicate
a problem with the compiler (gcc select 3.3 makes no difference, BTW).

Your ideas would be appreciated.

Cheers
MichaelW