Well the refresh rate on my dell is at about 75h, but that isnt max. And that was a pretty cheap monitor i bet as the computer only cost £450.
As for being flat, i dont see much of a difference, except in price. Aslong as my monitor does its job, which means being clear and able to use, i bare no grudges to it. My friend is one of the best online gamers in the UK and he has no special monitor, he just has your average 19inch monitor which he paid about £100 for new! Its looks nice (cos its new) and the picture is what you'd expect from any monitor! clear as crystal.