It's probably because the developers are using XCode to build their apps. XCode requires a framework installed with the operating systems to run the software. This is similar to the way many ".Net" Windows programs work. Interestingly, REALbasic also requires a framework, but RB installs the framework with the application when it is built, so the app is transportable.
New versions of XCode allow one to compile for OS X 10.2, 10.3, and 10.4 or for 10.3.9 and 10.4 as groups. If the developer compiles for 10.3.x & 10.4 as a group, the required framework calls implemented in 10.3/10.4 don't exist in the framework for 10.2, so the app won't run there even if you remove the .dist file. You can thank Apple for this problem.
It's essentially forced obsolescence, and I think it's dirty.
Peace,
Drew
New versions of XCode allow one to compile for OS X 10.2, 10.3, and 10.4 or for 10.3.9 and 10.4 as groups. If the developer compiles for 10.3.x & 10.4 as a group, the required framework calls implemented in 10.3/10.4 don't exist in the framework for 10.2, so the app won't run there even if you remove the .dist file. You can thank Apple for this problem.
It's essentially forced obsolescence, and I think it's dirty.
Peace,
Drew