I'm too sure I'd ever expect you to say you'd switch to Windows... hahahahahahahahahahahahhahahaha! And if anyone could really appreciate a "dually" it surely would be you... makes me feel (only slightly) guilty for having one, but that'll just spur me on to learn more!
I did happen to know about compilers, since my computing experience goes back to the venerable Apple II, Apple Basic, and I learned that plus some machine calls and code, but that was twenty+ years ago! I see what you're saying about gcc, it's roots and the likely room for becoming more PPC and G4 "native," or at least much more compatable, though I'm nowhere near knowing much more than how to speak some of the words!
In addition to the speed results possibly being biased, I wonder if there could be an issue if it's a carbonized app vs. written in Cocoa, though I don't know enough to know what differences that might make. Actually, I suspect the program isn't polished, probably not at all optimized (or is it optimised?) for 10.1.5, and there are sure to be a plethora of similar programs in the pipe as I write.
I'm getting mighty curious to see and experience Jaguar! Even if the performance jump is only as much as the jump from 10 to 10.1, it'll be dramatic. I just wish I had a lot more time to spend working with and learning OS X, GNU, gcc, Unix, how Altivec works, etc., etc., etc. It's all just so intriguing and fascinating, and there's so much to learn! Of course, that's the most fun of all for me. Of course I get lots of pleasure out of just using the Mac and the OSs, but I started in '78 because I felt I knew computers and all the related stuff was the future and I wanted to be on the train and not left standing at the station. It's really a thrill to see all the boards, discussions and websites online and coming online to discuss and learn about Macs and OS X. I haven't felt this kind of escitement about computers for some time. OS X might be a little boggy now, but it's in it's infancy. Once it really learns to walk, Katie bar the door!
Thanks for all your helpful information, and for being so patient with one who loves Macs, but has so much to learn.