I can test that particular case on my DC (that is, SA vs 2MB). I hadn't so far because I've never had any problems related to addressing.

As for the MS compiler - Knurek was my test subject (though it's usually guinea pigs that are used for that *) and he got it running within minutes.
I admit the SxS error message you get is cryptic at best - shame on MS for that. There are several ways to make it work, the preffered being to download and install a redistributable with necessary dynamic libraries. It's only 4MB and all you need to do is run it and wait for the progress bar to reach 100%. And that's it, Makaron starts working again. A bit of a pain in the behind, yes, but a small price to pay for a decent compiler + debugger combo. If it has bugs I've yet to find them.

*) that joke is only funny in Polish smile