If the router really is the problem, then I would have to start criticizing the MacBook. I've set up at least 10 WRT54GLs just the same way, and have never had this kind of issue with a Windows laptop (I've had other issues, unrelated to the router, but never this one).

Besides, I didn't max out the signal. When you put Tomato on the WRT, it usually defaults to a transmit power of 42mW. The max they suggest is 251. I set it to something like 80.

My question would be why does OSX only let me see the 10 access points? Why can't I see all of them? And why can't I choose a wireless network as being my preferred one? In that way, it is a little like wireless zero config, which I think is the worst part of Windows wireless networking.