😉 Yeah, GF2's had awful image quality. GF3 were a bit better but still way nehind the Radeons. GF4MX are hugely improved GF2 cards while GF4TI are hugely improved GF3 cards. GF4TI cards should certainly be as good as the excellent Rad8500, at the very least up to 1280x1024x32 @ 75Hz+. GF3's in particular varied quite significantly by manu but this doesn't seem to be the case for GF4 cards.
😱 Anyway, for those wanting to give up 3D perf and get maximum IQ then Matrox are the way to go, if happy with GF3 3D perf at Rad9700 pricing then there's Parhelia512. For people wanting very good IQ and excellent 3D without breaking the bank the GF4TI cards fit the bill VERY well indeed. A Rad8500/9000 is a good compromise between these for those often working in high res but still wanting ample 3D perf. For most a GF4TI is a good idea, at the very least until cheaper versions of Rad9700, Parhelia512 or the new nVidia cards are out.