Fixing the previous optimization problem revealed another. Apparently with the Xcode 3.1 beta, because the same day (after my GDAL update) the next beta was released, and the newly revealed bug was fixed. Yes, yet another GDAL update… this affects Leopard only (both 32bit and 64bit).
“The beast is actively interested only in now, and, as it is always now and always shall be, there is an eternity of time for the accomplishment of objects.” – the wisdom of Tarzan