Rdist version numbers don't match

[Samuel G. Scalise]

I have been using rdist with great satisfaction for a long time, but now
get the following message:

  % rdist -f dist.motd
  updating host client1
  updating host client2
  ...
  updating host client9
  rdist: connection failed: version numbers don't match

The man page for rdist has the following DIAGNOSTICS comment:

  A complaint about mismatch  of  rdist  version  numbers  may
  really  stem from some problem with starting your shell, for
  example, you are in too many groups.

I can't imagine that I (root) am suddenly in too many groups.  Can you
provide anymore insight?  

Thanks.
Sam