I initially did try grub directly but never got the results I needed. (Could be user error) It's nice to change the resolution down because a lot of our installs have service monitors...ie monitors in the corner that were dusted off and used.
I would like to see that "boot to firmware" option either in the boot loader hierarchy or as a select-able toggle. It would help on those few times I need to adjust things but my trigger finger is too atrophied to nail that esc.