TearingMyHair Out--kern protection failures are java install problems (not limewire ones), so you are right to suspect a new system install problem.

FWIW, I haven't read of any fingers pointed at extensis, but try a safe boot (to disable any extra kernel extensions) and try again. Have you checked with extensis (Google) for any updates or news?

Reinstalling java from the standalone installer might help, but I'm not sure if the recent 10.3.9 http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301382 (WTF--this is probably the one you need) java fix will allow a reinstallation of the standalone.

Sounds like you've already tried the current java install solutions for other problems, so I won't bother reposting the links.