I'm Surpised there is no C-Ratio and Response Time Sticky

If you hadn't figured it out, that's what i'm going to ask about. Actually, I'm pretty sure i've got the Response time thing figured out, it's the Contrast Ratio that still boggles me. The reason it boggles me is that i cant seem to get a straight answer.

When it comes down to it, this is what is keeping me up at night. From Wikipedia:

"Contrast ratio ratings provided by different manufacturers of display devices are not necessarily comparable to each other due to differences in method of measurement, operation, and unstated variables."

That's understandable. But what the article fails to explain is HOW MUCH off are they? When a pair of manufacturers rate each others products, how far off are they?

Here's why i ask. The advertising for monitors seems somewhat skewed. I saw one advertisement where a manufacturer talked about thier products 1000:1 contrast ratio as if it was the top dawg, but then saw another for a comperable specs and price point, and it had a 8000:1 ratio.

Yes, i know that contrast ratio isn't the only thing to consider, but they both seemed quite impressed with thier respective ratios. Could they have both been approximately the same?

How far off are these ratings?


EDIT:
Okay i lied, i do have a response time question. I just looked up the specs on the monitor i've got now. I've had it for over 3 years, so i was not surprised to find out it has a 12ms response time. Even given that, i've NEVER noticed what people call "Blur". Am i just used to it, or is 12ms just as good as 5ms and 2ms now being offered?