SO why is it that I have to turn on this X11 thing before using Inkscape on my iMac??
Re: X11
For now, it seems Inkscape can only run under X11, but one without using X11 might be developed later.
Here are sneakpeaks of Inkscape development that will not require X11 (still under development as of now):
http://www.nabble.com/attachment/14733036/1/Inkscape%20OSX%20PL.gif
I hope that helps.