Hi jayfess

Since you've shown it's likely not just the installer or java, (and that others haven't been able to duplicate this), can you think of anything else about your setup that might be non-standard?

If you were to create a new Admin user account, and try the installation there, that would rule out some conflict with your current user (home) setup.

btw--I'm assuming you've tried the Disk Utility's Repair Permissions.

sorry--I think you've tried all the easy fixes.