You make a very interesting point.. I'd say that overall the better the search algorithm the more likely users would keep using your search product in the long

You make a very interesting point.. I'd say that overall the better the search algorithm the more likely users would keep using your search product in the long term. However, the algorithm needs only to be noticeably better than the next best competitor. There may be a disincentive to release a cutting edge search technology until it's necessary to stave off competition, and if you've achieved monopoly, well, perhaps there's no innovation necessary.