Then I recalled back to the days of using the Nokia E72, when I had the option of disabling "Dual Band" and choosing "GSM Only" (if i remembered correctly, this was a long time ago).
CM9 has this option to "Use only 2G networks", which will actually use EDGE instead of 3G/HSPA (whatever that shit's called). I now get full 4 bars and a GREEN bill of health! Strong signal means better battery life.
Settings > Wireless & Networks > More... > Mobile Networks
There's a power widget (Toggle 2G/3G)
Settings > System > Notification drawer > Widget Buttons
Same screen > Scroll down > "Network modes" (self explanatory)
Settings > System > Notification drawer > Widget button order
Toggle 2G/3G/2G+3G via widget button!
Go Green...