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It does boot in 64-bit mode.

I'm not sure what you mean by bypassing a video card. The discrete 9600M GT GPU (I'm on 17" Early 2009 UB) is working fine here.
 
I still have the ability to switch GPUs through the Energy Saver pref pane. "Higher Performance" is the 9600; "Better Battery Life" the 9400.

When switching, you will have to log out, then back in. This is done automatically when you change the selection.

Did you have it set for 9400 before installing Lion? (or is that what you meant in your OP and I'm a bit slow... ;) )
 
ya. i usually left my mbp on the 9400 and noticed my machine was running a little hot like it would when i used the 9600. i checked my power prefs and saw i was on "higher performance".

that's when i checked system profiler and noticed i was in 64 bit mode and also my 9600 was online.

so if anyone is unaware of lion booting into a more powerful video mode, there you go if you are on battery and your battery life seems a bit less.
 
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