Go ahead and use cl_interp 0 , that helps a bit
Chris' configs probably didn't work for you because Mac doesn't support DirectX, only OpenGl, you should make sure your gpu drivers/kexts are installed correctly and as for Chris' configs, use the launch options, just take away dxlevel. I suggest fullscreen mode as well. highframes/maxframes are both good.
Dependent on your graphics card, you can probably change some settings on there too.
Intel: Never used one, sry.
Nvidia: simple 3d rendering quality, change to low (the thing with the rotating logo)
AMD: 3d render quality, change to low (a picture)