Any difference in kerning could be because the type is smaller. Low-res rendering of type <10pt will often look poor and appear as if it hasn't been kerned at all.
I would agree except for the fact that, at least to me, the OW4.2 text is smaller and better kerned (perfectly to my eye) than OW4.5's or Safari's (which are nearly identical if not totally).
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Bitt Faulk