The problem I had with PostScript Type 1 fonts produced by TypeSmith had an
interesting solution.
I upgraded my printer, replacing my old Texas Instruments MicroLaser with a HP
LaserJet 4 (both with PostScript). All the characters that used to print filled
when they were supposed to have holes in them (i.e. composite paths) fixed
themselves! This had happened especially with fonts from TypeSmith, though
there were some others.
So I guess what I really had was a bug in PostScript, that was present in the
TI version (52.something, ca. 1990) and fixed in the HP version (2011.110).
This LaserJet 4M is awesome. I can actually make decent B&W prints of
photographs. And who knows what else.