[aiharkness]

I am not going to be able to answer your question to your satisfaction (I don't use Google) but here is some information.

I have several email accounts, Yahoo, two ISP accounts that are hosted by Yahoo, and a Windows Live (now Outlook.com). All are configured as IMAP and all but one of ISP receive new email just as instantaneously as if I was using BIS. I assume Gmail will be same as push but I can't say first hand.

Also, I have noticed many recommending switching to Outlook.com because of EAS and it works well. Don't know if that is something you would consider or not.