For getting Windows 8 to boot and operate in ESX 4.1,
I used jmattson's bios.rom file and updated my .vmx file. That worked fine for me.
Then For Installing VMTools on my Windows 8 VMs, I used this kb article for the VGA black screen issues.
Just on setup, I chose Custom rather than Typical setup, and was able to disable the VMTools VGA driver.
Presto! Windows 8 now works in ESX 4.1 with VMTools.
Joy!