Sam,
> I started with the pg mac installer / stack builder. That worked to get pg
> installed, but could not get postgis installed.
I haven't installed PostGIS, but I have no problems running the database in
Lion using the EnterpriseDB (EDB) installer as provided.
> Is there a way to purge my system of all of the corrupted/bad installs and
> start over? How?
I can't speak for Homebrew, but running the included uninstaller safely
removes the EDB pieces.
> I hate Windows. I loath Windows, and would love to see the U.S. Economy
> rebound from all of the production gained by everyone universally
> abandoning Windows?
You are not alone -- and I thought I felt strongly about it. :)
--
Gary Chambers