[Physicist]

Making an assumption that the only interpretation is that they misunderstood pi or were even mistaken in the measurements they took in light of the ability to make this vessel in the first place would seem the least likely.

I make neither assumption. I assume they were only giving approximate measurements. Biblical literalists can't make that assumption, however, so they have to rationalize it.

[Saturnalia]

Ping from a Noah's ark=>Crevo thread.

[VRWC_minion]

I assume they were only giving approximate measurements

Why assume approximates over actual when either could be true ? I agree that they could be approximates but I disagree that that is the only possible assumption. In fact the more thought I give to the separate measurement for a rim the more that seems likely to me.

Although I am comfortable using both literal and metaphoric/allegoric interpretations in this case I don't see the same dilemma you see. And as a scientist I am surprised you could not entertain the two circle theory as being equally valid as the approximate theory.