php5.3.x doesnt work (use 5.2.x)

Hi,
I asked this question on the tail of a previous thread and I think it got buried, so I ask it again if thats ok.

PHP-5.2 is no longer available at the repository, I had to try to compile 5.2 myself and I had problems, I ended up having to install 5.3 now it looks like I am stuck with 5.3.
I ask 3 questions,
1. What are the problems caused by using 5.3 instead of 5.2
2. Does 5.4 solve the problems noticed with 5.3
3. If not, is there any chance that you may fix the module to be compatible with 5.3?

Again I thank you for your time and help.
Regards
Cam

(Ubuntu 10.4, Opensim 7.4)