I did some research based on zeridon's feedback. I don't think changing to 1.0 causes a problem - look at:
PHP5 Akismet | Aching Brain #{DefV}'s rant - Akismet Problems?
I've added the code change to my module. Eventually it'd be nice to see the library that is utilized by this module updated as well. There is now a PEAR module that is quite stable:
PEAR :: Package :: Services_Akismet
David.