Just for everyone's edification, here is where I am at on this error.
I tracked down one reference to readline errors under OS X -
http://www.astro.washington.edu/owen/InstallingPython2.2.1OnJaguar.html
This document gives instructions for installing readline on 10.2 with a change in the /support/shobj-conf file. This change is recommended because "With 10.2, ncurses stuff was moved from the System library to external libraries and the process for dynamic libraries changed."
I downloaded readline 4.3-5, removed readline through my Fink installation, and went through the process of installing readline as outlined in this document. The install went fine, but the change did not fix the error I receive when trying to use r.mapcalc in GRASS 5.0.2. I still get:
GRASS 5.0.2 > r.mapcalc
dyld: r.mapcalc version mismatch for library: /usr/local/lib/libreadline.4.dylib (compatibility version of user: 4.2.0 greater than library's version: 4.0.0)
Trace/BPT trap
Reading this, does it mean that GRASS 5.0.2 has something in it that is looking for 4.0.0 while my OS X version of readline is actually 4.2.0 (or is it the other way around)? If so, can someone look into fixing this somehow if the fix is worth the time?
For now, I will take Hamish's suggestion and recompile GRASS 5.0.2 *without* readline. 
Thanks.
Bill
> Anybody run across this error?
GRASS 5.0.2 > r.mapcalc
dyld: r.mapcalc version mismatch for library:
/usr/local/lib/libreadline.4.dylib (compatibility version of user:
4.2.0 greater than library's version: 4.0.0)
Trace/BPT trap
Some hints & guesses:
".dylib" means it is a Mac OS/X Dynamic Library & thus a OS/X specific
problem. It seems r.mapcalc was compiled with readline 4.2.0 headers
while the main system libary for readline on your computer is only 4.0.0.
You might have two versions on you computer, but I'd guess you are
trying to use binaries compiled on someone elses (more up to date) OS/X
system.
Binary install:
Try updating the system's realine libraries (fink?) to 4.2.0.
Source install:
Try compiling without the --with-readline ./configure option, it isn't critical, I think.
Hamish
disclaimer: I have no idea.
--
Bill Dickinson
GIS Specialist
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Environmental & Safety Branch, Code 250
wdickins@pop700.gsfc.nasa.gov