Table parsing error caused most likely by the table using a feature newer than the build (executable) you are using to run the game.
Try a more up-to-date build would be my immediate suggestion, but for future reference, when you encounter a problem you should enable
debug build (which are denoted by a letter "d" instead of letter "r" of
regular builds (which have better performance in regular use and are set to ignore warnings).
A debug build will generate a debug log in
../FreeSpace2/data/fs2_open.log. That file will offer more debugging information to people who know how to read it, and most of the time it's sufficient to solve the problem. Posting either that file as an attachment, or posting the log itself within
[code][/code] tags is probably the best way to deliver that file.
Also, there's nothing bad about FS2 still being distributed commercially. GoodOldGames are (mostly) made of awesome, and by buying the game from there you support their business as well as Interplay which really needs it...
Six USD is a low price for all the stuff you get with it.