Certainly understandable.... so on the same line, how would one apply the .diff file I see on Haze's page to update Mame to .u3? If I have to ask, it's going to be too difficult, right? 
Nah, it's easy - IF you have the right tools.
First you're going to need the compiler from the mame.net site.
Second, you're going to need a copy of patch. If you need a copy, give me a shout.
Extract the MAME source to its own directory. Put the patch files in there (you must apply all the patch files, in order (u1, u2, u3))
Then, patch with this command:
'patch -p1 <mame080u1.diff'
Repeat for all the .diff files. Yes the '<' is needed.
Then compile as usual. If you don't know how to do that, I can't help you. There a ton of write ups on that subject.