I'm no LCD expert that's for sure, but here's what I think.
LCDs don't really have refresh rates as far as I know and I haven't seen them listed under most specs. LCDs have response times. LCDs don't refresh like CRTs the picture is static and only changes as requested not a constant refresh like CRTs. So I'm not sure what your seeing.
As far as gaming I have held out a long time here switching to an LCD, but made the plunge last night. I haven't gamed for extended periods of time on LCDs but the time I have spent on them on newer ones I haven't noticed any problems.
I just ordered this on
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...CatHome&pos=13
It has great specs and I have used a few sceptre's in the past and have been pleased with them. Also it's from Costco so returning it is as easy can be if I don't like anything about it. Best bang for you buck I have seen in a long while.