Distort by normal isn't what I usually use on object texturing (only on planet stuff), and in fact I often decrease it considerably or turn it off in breakup shaders (along with the strong warp). So, I hadn't thought of that (didn't check your insides either, Hannes
)
But it's not good if that's indeed the culprit.
On another note; I also wondered if the automatic recalculation of normals shouldn't be to off as default. I don't actualy know if it is (will check later), but I often recalculate my normals in Poseray carefully for each part, and don't need it messed up by an average recalculation (no offence for the feature).
EDIT: I think I got it; it only recalculates after a mesh displacer has been added. So does nothing if just importing?