IPS LCD panels don't have viewing angle issues either. You have to search and pay for them, just like you do with good CRTs. Also you can buy glossy monitors if you hate matte plastic so much.
"Average" (250€, might be considered expensive for others) computer monitors will give you true 100Hz and 120Hz, pure smoothness for all common frame rates in existence, not to mention how good everything not video related that can produce "unlimited" fps like games, the simple movement of the mouse, etc. looks... it's just another world. But the panel technology is not there yet. The market is going to be flooded soon with more 120Hz monitors because of all the 3D mumbo jumbo, then we will have IPS panels, 120Hz and LED backlighting with local dimming in the same monitor/TV
After reading you one would say that the best LCD you have ever seen is one of those crappy, old ass 17" displays