Thanks but that was of absolutely no help.
Evidently the 1.0alpha version syntax is completely different from the .99 release.
The 1.0 syntax for setting up dovecot.conf uses brackets "{}" for auth and other drastic differences, so most of the documentation is either vacant or out of date.
I tried using the syntax used in the Wiki only to have it die.
There are NO docs for the 1.0 release to help understand how to make MySQL work with Dovecot.
I've hacked my way along and stumbled into some success, but overall I'd have to say there is a bug in the software that is preventing it from connecting. I do not know where else to look or what else to do other than start to hunt again for yet another pop server. I've spent the past week downloading, compiling, and trying to get various POP servers to work, only to have the wheels fall off at one point or another. I'm so fu**ing close to getting Dovecot to work, but may have to walk away from yet another disappointing software product. I might downshift to the .99 release and see if I can get that one to work.
But thanks anyway for your desire to help, it prevented me from leaving a note and then pulling the trigger.
:-)
Tim