Thanks CodeRush that's exactly what I was looking for. +1 Rep
So, here's a 'scientific' evaluation:
OpenGL tests on OSX: 800x600 windowed, all features turned on for max visuals
BIOS: v2104 (Original): OSX: 8.9 FPS, 225 Score
BIOS: v2158 (Current): OSX: 10.0 FPS, 253 Score
So there is clearly a difference. Also it gets more interesting:
UEFI 100kHz FSB: v2158 (Current): OSX 11.8 FPS, 298 Score
UEFI 105kHz FSB: v2158 (Current): OSX 12.0 FPS, 306 Score
UEFI 120kHz FSB: v2158 (Current): OSX 13.0 FPS, 327 Score
So booting in UEFI mode via Clover as opposed to Chameleon boosts the native performance as well, probably because the FSB clock is set to a 'clean' speed of 100kHz via Clover. Confirms my initial suspicion that the OS felt more responsive under Clover.