LCD Monitor + Gaming ?

Pretty much, resolution is resolution, and is determined in the end by the maximum number of pixels available on the display, and the size of each individual pixel. If the flat panel has only 1280 x 1024 pixels, that's all it has. While precision CRTs still have the edge for any graphics-intensive application, due to relatively superior refresh rate/response time, focus, contrast, brightness, color fidelity, dot pitch/effective pixel size, and maximum number of available pixels, some upper end, larger (read: "VERY PRICEY") Flat Panels are beginning to close the gap. However, if very high resolution, rapid response time, and overall display quality are major points for you, you're going to be better off with a high quality CRT ... and, while changing, that state of affairs will obtain for a few years yet, particularly as concerns price.