CRTs have much finer dot pitch than flat panels unless you get a cheap one.
CRTs can have refresh rates up to 200Hz so you won't notice the flicker and they'll be much easier on the eyes. The 21" I have for sale has a .22 DP and a 120Hz refresh at 1024x768.
500:1 for a contrast ratio is actually bottom of the barrel for TFTs. 800:1 or better is reasonable.
TFTs do use refresh rates, just like CRTs do. However, on TFTs it's more commonly known as the Pixel Response Time.
CRTs are better for graphic arts than TFTs.
Both are good for gaming, but you need a high response time on a TFT in order to avoid tearing and ghosting.
Avoid a cheap, noname TFT like the plague. You get what you pay for and there are no shortcuts. Proscan, Hanns-G, Sceptre and similar are crap to avoid. The top 3 are Viewsonic, Samsung and LG.