Just a couple of thoughts: yes, the pinout on the PLCC can be confusing, once I used a socket numbered in one way and a chip numbered the other, and which numbers do you think the PCB layout guy went by?. I do not know how complete your listed code is, but if you at any time write a zero to the Tx pin, the communication is shot. Also verify thet the symbolic names (SBUF etc.) are referring to the correct SFR addresses. The fact that something works in a simulator is only a virtual guarantee that it will work in the real world.

Have fun,

Erik