I think people can see one's work is already a great recognition.
I apologize if I did not say thanks before

In : /home/user/.mame/int_kb_layout

i do not have this file/folder int_kb_layout , yes /home/user/.mame/

i saw your mame.sh :

# Save the user's original keyboard layout unless the file already exists (which indicates incomplete exit
if [ ! -f $HOME/.mame/int_kb_layout ]
then
/usr/bin/gconftool-2 -g /apps/osso/inputmethod/int_kb_layout > $HOME/.mame/int_kb_layout
fi

# Change layout back to saved value and delete the file
/usr/bin/gconftool-2 -s /apps/osso/inputmethod/int_kb_layout $(cat $HOME/.mame/int_kb_layout) -t string
rm $HOME/.mame/int_kb_layout

I looked in mame.sh flandry original sources and are equal.
Where is the problem?, misterious,I am a bit vague, tomorrow, i will try do a my own version , i have got a bit forgot ,shell and ubuntu n900 programs compile . my latest memory are build-essentials for ubuntu jaj.