i cant help with your exact issues, but for me, it was a case of the following:
install mythbuntu 10.10 (2.6.35-22 kernel)
configure LIRC for the mceusb device during the mythbuntu install
disable ubuntu repos (without updates; if you do update, ensure the linux kernel headers are NOT being updated)
install TBS drivers (im currently on the 20101024 dated drivers)
reboot
keep existing LIRC, and download lirc 0.8.7 from LIRC website, and install that over the existing LIRC install. (you will need to 'apt-get install dialog' to compile it)
final reboot and it works again.